The newly constructed Ethan and Marla Davidson Exhibition and Virtual Reconstruction Center is situated at the entrance to the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, one of the largest, most significant archaeological sites in the country. It is some 100 meters south of the Temple Mount complex, in the recently excavated and restored underground storage complex belonging to a seventh century CE Umayyad Palace.

The new center offers the visitor an in-depth archaeological and historical introduction to the Jerusalem Archaeological Park by means of an exhibition of archaeological objects, augmented by visual, textual and audio information. One of the highlights of this modern facility is a real-time virtual reality reconstruction of the Herodian Temple Mount as it stood prior to its destruction by Roman troops in the year 70 CE. Real-time technology allows users to interact with the computer environment, enjoying freedom of movement as in the physical world.

The most technologically advanced computer graphics, sound and architecture currently available in the visual computing industry are employed in the Davidson Center.

The center uses cutting-edge visualization tools, including a powerful Silicon Graphics Onyx2 InfiniteReality3 computer, a high-resolution display and integration technology. This provides audiences with breathtaking three-dimensional images that are at the same time scientifically accurate.

The Davidson Center offers a rare opportunity to explore and study the most significant archaeological site in this country by means of exhibitions and illustrations describing Jerusalem’s main episodes. The center serves as an extension of the Archaeological Park, highlighting its main features.

The Exhibition is laid out on three floors: the Entrance Floor, the Mezzanine Floor and the Ground Floor. Access between the floors is afforded by moderate ramps. The visitor is here invited to embark on a 60-minute journey through Second-Temple-period Jerusalem.

The Exhibition Gallery surveys four of the main periods represented in the Jerusalem Archaeological Park: the Second Temple, the Roman, the Byzantine and the Islamic periods.

Virtual Reconstruction Of Second Temple Temple Mount

Address:
Temple Mount Excavations, near the Dung Gate
www.archpark.org.il

Visiting Hours:
Sunday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM,
Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Virtual Reconstruction Model (booking in advance):
Sunday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
The area is closed on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

Entrance fee:
Adults 30 NIS
Children, students, senior citizen, soldiers 16 NIS
Groups 21 NIS (over 25 people)
Guided tours (in Hebrew and English) 160 NIS – must be booked in advance.

Bus routes: Egged lines 1, 2, 38, 99

Jerusalem Archaeological Park

The Jerusalem Archaeological Park, Israel’s most important antiquity site, reaches the Temple Mount on the north, the slope of the Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley on the east, and the Valley of Hinnom on the west and the south. This exceptional area which has captivated the world’s imagination throughout history, has been designated as an archaeological park and open museum. Visitors to the Park follow events spanning some 5000 years, beginning with the Canaanite (Bronze) Age and continuing through the days of the Israelite monarchy in the First Temple period. The splendors of the Second Temple and the impressive architecture of King Herod, dating to the second half of the first century BCE are a key element in the park, and the remains and monumental structures dating to the Christian and Muslim periods are clearly visible.