Israel Defense Forces History Museum 🇮🇱

If you are interested in military heritage, the Israel Defense Forces History Museum—known in Hebrew as Batei HaOsef, or "The Collection Houses"—offers an in-depth look into the nation's defense past. Historically built in southern Tel Aviv right next to the historic Jaffa Railway Station, this specialized venue was established to preserve and showcase the comprehensive history of Israel's military forces. When visiting, you will learn about the early underground organizations that operated during the British Mandate for Palestine, tracing their evolution all the way to the modern Israel Defense Forces.

The collection highlights the historical equipment, stories, and developments that shaped the country's armed services over the decades. However, travelers planning a trip should take important note of the museum's current status: as of January 1, 2019, the original Tel Aviv site closed down while the entire institution began relocating to Latrun. The Ministry of Defense fully vacated the original Tel Aviv museum grounds in August 2019, with the newly relocated museum expected to reopen its doors in Latrun in 2021.

Be sure to check its new Latrun location when organizing your upcoming Israeli itinerary.

What to see at Israel Defense Forces History Museum

• Exhibits covering underground organizations active during the British Mandate for Palestine
• Displays detailing the history of the modern Israel Defense Forces
• Known in Hebrew as Batei HaOsef, translating to The Collection Houses
• Original historical site located in southern Tel Aviv near Jaffa Railway Station
• Relocation to Latrun following closure of the Tel Aviv grounds

Visiting tips

Please note that the original Tel Aviv location near Jaffa Railway Station closed in 2019, so you should plan to visit its relocated site in Latrun.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Israel Defense Forces History Museum is easy to reach on Tel Aviv’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Museum of the Jewish People at Beit Hatfutsot and Habima Theatre. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Tel Aviv travel guide.