Step inside the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History. Feel the cool air against your skin. This isn’t just a museum it’s a treasure box a Noah’s Ark brimming with the wonders of nature.
The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History opened in 2018. It’s the largest natural history museum in Israel. It’s also a research and education center. Millions of specimens document the flora and fauna of Israel and the Middle East. They even show humankind’s history and interaction with the environment.
The museum’s architecture is striking. It’s a five-story building covering 9620 square meters. Kimmel Eshkolot Architects designed the building. They envisioned it as a treasure box or even Noah’s Ark. The building’s wooden shell is eye-catching. It’s thermally insulated to protect the exhibits. This impressive building connects Tel Aviv University’s academic buildings to the botanical and zoological gardens.
Inside you’ll find nine themed exhibitions. See taxidermied birds in the Great Bird Migration exhibit. They soar across the ceiling. The Bugs and Beyond exhibit shows both living and preserved arthropods. Marvel at animals that live in darkness. Explore how animals have adapted to their environment. Discover the impact of humankind on nature. The museum also houses the historical collection of zoologist Father Ernst Schmitz. It includes the last wild Nile crocodile hunted in 1912. You can even see a full-size skeleton of a Common minke whale. The collection of some 5.5 million items was accumulated by Tel Aviv University scientists and others.
The museum is more than just a display. It’s an active research center. Over 500 scientists graduate students and professionals use its collections annually. The Israel Taxonomy Initiative works here. This project aims to revive taxonomy train taxonomists and expand our knowledge of Israeli biodiversity. The museum’s collections were recognized as national collections by the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities.
The museum’s existence is thanks to many. Michael and Judy Steinhardt made major contributions. Donations from foundations like Yad Hanadiv and the Dan David Foundation also played a crucial role. Government support from various ministries also helped fund the construction and operations. The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History is a remarkable place. It combines research education and public engagement. It is a celebration of the natural world’s wonders. It’s a legacy for generations to come.