Jerusalem’s cultural scene is expanding with several new entertainment and educational attractions that highlight nature, history, and food. One notable addition is Israel’s first public aquarium, located within the Tisch Family Zoological Gardens. Designed to increase public understanding of the country’s varied aquatic environments, the aquarium focuses on the Mediterranean, local freshwater systems, the Red Sea and the unique conditions of the Dead Sea. Its programs aim to educate visitors about conservation challenges and to inspire community engagement in protecting aquatic wildlife.
The aquarium is organized into two principal zones. The Mediterranean exhibit features an open sea tank showcasing regional species such as sharks, sea turtles, tunas and rays. The second zone centers on a dramatic 100,000‑gallon tank that recreates a Red Sea reef environment, home to parrotfish, Napoleon wrasses, triggerfish, reef sharks and blue‑spotted rays. Visitors can enjoy dive demonstrations and live presentations, and the Mediterranean section includes an underwater tunnel that offers multiple perspectives on the marine life.
In Jerusalem’s Old City, the Terra Sancta Museum has opened a new multimedia wing that explores the history of Christianity. The wing blends narrative storytelling, animated effects and archaeological artifacts to present the religion’s historical development in an engaging, accessible way for a wide range of visitors.
For food enthusiasts, the autumn calendar includes the four-day urban culinary festival Open Restaurants, running Nov. 14–18. The festival showcases rising chefs and leading restaurants, and features workshops and talks by industry professionals, highlighting Jerusalem’s growing and diverse culinary scene.
Together, these additions offer residents and visitors fresh ways to experience Jerusalem—combining environmental education, historical interpretation and vibrant food culture in a city known for its deep heritage and evolving attractions.