The Golan Antiquities Museum is set to relocate to Ancient Katzrin Park as part of an extensive development project aimed at transforming the region into a prominent tourism and heritage destination. The move will involve the construction of a new museum building at an estimated cost of NIS 8.5 million, with completion targeted for 2028.
Currently housed in its longstanding location, the museum will be reestablished in a facility covering approximately 900 square meters. The design emphasizes an interactive, multisensory experience, integrating technology, artificial intelligence, and multimedia elements. Alongside authentic archaeological artifacts, visitors will engage with experiential displays and hands-on activities that explore thousands of years of Golan history.
The museum’s narrative will span key historical periods and sites, including Rujm el-Hiri (known as the Wheel of Giants), the basalt landscapes, the site of the ancient city of Gamla and its role in the Great Revolt, as well as synagogues and daily life during the Mishnaic and Talmudic eras. Exhibits are expected to feature notable findings such as battle artifacts from Gamla, Hebrew inscriptions, menorah decorations, and other archaeological discoveries from the region.
A distinctive element of the project is the planned integration of a planetarium alongside the museum, both operating under the concept “Between Heaven and Earth.” This initiative aims to connect the geological and archaeological heritage beneath visitors’ feet with the celestial bodies above, creating a holistic educational journey from the ancient soil to the stars.
The broader development at Ancient Katzrin Park encompasses roughly 25 dunams and includes reconstructions of Jewish village life during the Talmudic period. Along with the new museum and planetarium, plans call for a visitors’ center, a nighttime show, and additional content to enhance visitor engagement and extend stays. The existing Talmudic park, developed by the Government Tourism Company, already offers antiquities displays, interactive features, and recreational facilities such as a paddling pool.
Promoted by the Development of the Negev and the Galilee and National Resilience ministries, this project seeks to deepen the connection between the Golan’s archaeological treasures and the landscapes where the region’s rich history unfolded. The initiative aims to establish Ancient Katzrin Park as a major cultural and tourist hub in northern Israel.