The National Maritime Museum

In Haifa, Israel's most important port city, lies the National Maritime Museum. It is the only museum in Israel that comprehensively presents the history of shipping in the Mediterranean basin, the sea's place in Israeli history and identity, and the maritime story of Haifa.

In recent years, the museum has been undergoing an accelerated process of renewal and is developing as a cultural home port, offering innovative and relevant experiences. The permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions, and new complexes allow visitors to become acquainted with the deep meaning of the sea for humanity and to develop awareness of the importance of preserving its ecological health.

History and Building
The roots of the National Maritime Museum date back to before the establishment of the state, in the museum founded by the Israel Maritime League (Hevel Yami Le'Israel) at the Sailors' House in Haifa's lower city. In 1954, the Haifa Municipality and the Israel Maritime League purchased the collection of the maritime museum established by Major Arie Ben-Eli from the Navy for a symbolic sum of one Israeli lira. Thus, the maritime museum became a municipal museum, and Arie Ben-Eli was appointed its first director. The museum moved to its current location in 1973. The building, designed by architect Itzhak Yavetz, was constructed by the Haifa Municipality with the assistance of a donation from the Morrison Foundation of London.

The Collection and Exhibitions
The museum's collection is an internationally important collection, with over 10,000 items. Since 1995, it has also included the collection of the Museum of Ancient Art. Furthermore, findings from underwater excavations belonging to the Israel Antiquities Authority are permanently displayed there.

The permanent exhibitions tell the story of humanity's connection to the sea over 5,000 years of shipping. Among the main displays are ship models, maritime trade, ancient anchors, navigation instruments, the worship of sea gods, and the crowning glory: the Athlit Ram - a rare testament to naval warfare in ancient times. The exhibition "Tel Shikmona" presents the story of Tel Shikmona as a coastal settlement. "Time Capsules" include some of the museum's most important and rare exhibits. The exhibition "The Story of Israeli Shipping" presents the importance of shipping and ports in the State of Israel. And for our young audience: The exhibition "Pirates: Between Fact and Legend," the "Young Mariners" play area, and the active courtyard offer learning and experience through play.

The museum also holds temporary exhibitions by artists from Israel and around the world. Among the notable exhibitions in recent years: "Astronomy Photographer of the Year" (2023) brought the world's best astronomy photographs to Haifa, straight from the Royal Museums Greenwich; "The Plentiful Sea" (2024) presented the wonders of marine nature in the photographs of marine biologist Dr. Rami Klein; and "Fishermen and Fish" (2025), which reflects the culture of fishing through exhibits from the collections of all Haifa museums.

The museum's guidance team provides tours and workshops tailored for all ages. Every year, the museum holds the "Sea Day" festival, centered around a symposium dedicated to Israel's maritime space.