Free admission, big crowds, and a renewed cultural buzz—Israel’s museums are bracing for a record turnout this International Museum Day.
Once a quiet day marked mostly by museum staff and culture buffs, May 18 is now something else entirely. It’s turned into a magnet for families, students, tourists, and just about anyone with a free afternoon and a curious mind. This year, more than 80 museums across Israel are set to waive entry fees to mark International Museum Day, a global celebration of cultural heritage.
And the numbers? They’re no joke. Some museums see a 40% spike in foot traffic. “That’s good for us all, for revenues,” says Raz Samira, chairwoman of ICOM Israel, with a knowing smile.
Culture Comes Alive for a Day
It’s easy to think museums are a thing of the past. Especially when TikTok, YouTube, and Netflix are just a thumb tap away.
But something changes on Museum Day.
People show up in droves. There’s energy. There’s chatter. Kids tug at their parents, excited to point out something they just learned. Museum staff see more smiles and fewer yawns.
This year’s theme—“The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities”—couldn’t be more relevant. “It speaks to exactly what we’re seeing,” Samira notes. “Museums aren’t standing still. They’re adapting, evolving, and responding to the public.”
One museum in Ramat Aviv, ANU – Museum of the Jewish People, is prepping for what could be one of its busiest days all year. Staff are adding shifts, setting up interactive tours, and even planning outdoor exhibits.
Free Access, But Big Value
Let’s be real: museums can be expensive. Especially for families.
That’s why free access matters so much. Not just because it brings in more people—but because it levels the playing field. A single mother with three kids? A group of high schoolers on a budget? On May 18, they get the same access as anyone else.
And they get a lot in return:
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Educational tours at no cost
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Hands-on exhibits for kids and teens
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Cultural programs highlighting local and global heritage
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Special lectures and meet-the-artist sessions
No wonder people come back year after year.
What the Numbers Say
ICOM Israel says International Museum Day consistently boosts public interest—not just for the day itself but in the weeks that follow. Here’s a quick look at the attendance trends based on their internal reports:
| Year | Avg. Increase in Visitors | Participating Museums | Avg. Daily Revenue (Normal Day) | Revenue Spike on IMD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 28% | 60 | ₪8,500 | ₪10,200 |
| 2022 | 33% | 72 | ₪9,000 | ₪11,800 |
| 2023 | 40% | 80 | ₪9,500 | ₪13,200 |
| 2024 | 39% | 82 | ₪10,000 | ₪13,000 |
And 2025? Expectations are even higher.
Not Just the Big Names
Sure, big institutions like the Israel Museum in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Museum of Art grab the headlines. But it’s the smaller, lesser-known spaces that really benefit from the spotlight.
One such example is the Haifa City Museum. Nestled in a quieter part of town, it’s a hidden gem that explores the city’s diverse past—from the Ottoman era to modern times. Staff there say Museum Day helps “wake people up” to its offerings.
Then there’s the Eretz Israel Museum, with its blend of archaeology, anthropology, and craftsmanship. It’s been adding digital features lately—QR codes, audio tours, and AR experiences that make ancient relics feel a little more now.
Why This All Matters
You might ask: Why all the fuss over museums?
Well, ask any curator or visitor, and they’ll tell you—it’s about memory. Identity. Dialogue. Connection. Museums hold stories that shape nations. They showcase resilience, pain, joy, and progress.
And when those doors open for free, it’s more than just a bargain. It’s a statement: Culture belongs to everyone.
That’s something Raz Samira takes seriously. “We want people to feel museums aren’t elite spaces. They’re living, breathing parts of the community.”
What’s on Offer This Year?
The full program for International Museum Day includes dozens of activities across the country. Here’s a sneak peek:
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Tel Aviv Museum of Art: Interactive installations and curator talks
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Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem: Family scavenger hunt
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Tower of David Museum: Rooftop live music and virtual reality booths
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Design Museum Holon: Future-focused fashion and sustainability exhibit
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Ilana Goor Museum, Jaffa: Artist-led workshops
And many more.
Special buses and discounted public transit tickets are also being arranged to help people get to more remote locations.
A Day to Look Forward To
It’s not often that people line up outside museum doors.
But on May 18, it happens. Parents take selfies with ancient pottery. Teenagers lean in to read exhibit captions. Someone gets lost in a quiet room filled with art.
