On Monday, August 11, 2025, the Knesset Museum was inaugurated at the historic Beit Froumine on King George Street 24 in Jerusalem \u2013 59 years after the parliament moved to its current home in Givat Ram<\/p>\n
The festive ceremony was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion<\/p>\n
President Isaac Herzog emphasized the importance of the Knesset as a symbol of Israeli democracy, calling to safeguard its dignity and maintain its independence. He also addressed current political affairs, calling Australia\u2019s recognition of a Palestinian state “a grave and dangerous mistake<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled his personal contribution to the project, as finance minister 21 years ago, when he approved funding for the purchase of the building<\/p>\n
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana stated that the building holds national and historical significance and that turning it into a museum will deepen the public\u2019s familiarity with their elected representatives<\/p>\n
The museum, located in the Knesset\u2019s first historic home from 1950 to 1966, is designed to commemorate the story of Israeli democracy and make it accessible to the public. It serves as an educational and experiential center for students, soldiers, university visitors, and tourists. It integrates interactive experiences and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, allowing visitors to “experience” the work of the legislature<\/p>\n
Among the museum\u2019s highlights is a meticulously recreated plenum hall as it was in the 1950s and 1960s, complete with original furniture. Visitors can sit in the “plenum” and feel the atmosphere of past debates. There are also restored offices of the government and the Knesset speaker, where life-size historic figures such as David Ben-Gurion, Menachem Begin, and Golda Meir “appear” to speak. In the speaker\u2019s office, portraits of the first speakers \u2013 Yosef Sprinzak, Kadish Luz, and Nahum Nir \u2013 “come to life” and describe their work in a style reminiscent of Harry Potter<\/p>\n
The museum also features an interactive escape room, “Ben-Gurion\u2019s Secret Vault,” which displays his announcement on the capture of Adolf Eichmann, a reconstructed “Kol Israel” broadcasting booth, and the legendary cafeteria where visitors can taste dishes from the austerity era<\/p>\n