The Old Courtyard Museum at Kibbutz Ein Shemer
Kibbutz Ein Shemer was founded almost a century ago in 1927, and the Old Courtyard Museum (חצר ראשונים) located in the original courtyard of the kibbutz, attempts to immerse visitors in the early days of kibbutz life, demonstrating in particular its pioneering spirit and communal lifestyle. The museum offers a blend of historical exhibits and interactive activities suitable for all ages, and is best engaged in the context of one of their tours.
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Directions: Enter “Old Courtyard Museum” and click on “מוזיאון החצר הישנה עין שמר.“
Admission: There is no charge to wander around the exhibits, but there is a charge for group guided tours. Hours are Sunday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday & Holidays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. But closed on Saturdays during July and August. There is a picnic area with picnic benches, some of which are shaded. Their phone number is 04-637 4327. For their website click here:
Public transport: Enter “Ein Shemer” into Moovit. The kibbutz is a 10-minute/800-meter walk from the bus stop.
Entrance to the Old Courtyard Museum
The courtyard contains a display of agricultural equipment and plows used by the farmers. There is restoration of a functioning bakery built initially in 1920. The main museum contains explanations of the evolution of the kibbutz movement, life-sized models of kibbutz members engaged in various activities, and a model of the courtyard.
Tours can include hands-on experiences such as bread baking in a traditional brick oven, olive oil pressing, and participating in pioneer-style chores while dressed in period attire. Visitors can embark on tractor-drawn wagon tours to appreciate the life of a modern-day kibbutz, visiting key sites such as the dairy farm, industrial areas, and family residences, while learning about the evolution of kibbutz life from past to present.
Off for a tour of the kibbutz
Life-size models in the main museum
Model of the initial kibbutz compound in the main museum
Working hard at kibbutz work
Links to the best family activities, hikes and historic sites in the GOLAN, EASTERN GALILEE, UPPER GALILEE, LOWER GALILEE, JORDAN VALLEY & LAKE KINNERET, the SHEFELAH, TEL AVIV-YAFFO and surroundings, NORTH of TEL AVIV, and SOUTH of TEL AVIV.