The City of Jerusalem has launched an ambitious 67-million-shekel project to revitalize the city’s historic Nature Museum, located in Villa Decan in the German Colony. The renewal aims to merge Jerusalem’s cultural heritage with a forward-looking vision of science, sustainability, and community. The iconic 19th-century villa will undergo a full restoration and emerge as a dynamic center exploring the relationship between people and nature in the heart of Jerusalem.
Connecting People and Nature in the Heart of Jerusalem
The Jerusalem Municipality, the Jerusalem Foundation, and Eden Company are leading the project, designed to turn the long-standing museum into a next-generation educational and cultural landmark. A new permanent exhibition will focus on human-nature relationships, blending the historic taxidermy collection with interactive displays and immersive technologies.
The redesigned museum garden will follow a “Jerusalem Blend” approach, combining Mediterranean and desert flora to reflect the region’s ecosystems. The new outdoor spaces will feature animal enclosures, beehives, a café, and a community garden that will continue to operate after the renovation.
Urban Development and Heritage Preservation in Jerusalem
With more than 50 museums across the city, Jerusalem holds the highest number of museums in Israel. The Nature Museum’s renewal joins a series of municipal initiatives strengthening Jerusalem’s position as Israel’s cultural capital. The project aims to preserve the villa’s historic character while introducing digital storytelling, green education, and sustainable design to engage younger generations.
Education and Culture in Jerusalem – Public Collaboration at Work
Eden Company led the planning phase in collaboration with international consultants and local architects. Scheduled for completion in mid-2026, the renovation includes full accessibility upgrades, landscape development, and preservation of the original Armenian stone façade. The cultural complex will also integrate the adjacent Jerusalem Conservatory “HaSadna,” a long-standing music institution receiving a new facility nearby.
Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion states, “The renewal of the Jerusalem Nature Museum represents how the city evolves – blending heritage and innovation, past and future. The museum is becoming a living, breathing space connecting residents to the city’s natural story. We continue to invest in cultural institutions that link community, science, and environment, inspiring the next generation.”
Jerusalem Foundation President Eric Grabelsky adds, “The renewed museum will offer a unique experience that combines historical exhibitions with advanced technology. This initiative strengthens Jerusalem as a leading center for culture, education, and science. The project embodies our broader vision – connecting residents to the urban environment and preserving the city’s legacy while looking ahead.”
