Madatech, Hecht Museum, and cable cars in Haifa
Madatech
This science museum is outstanding and on a different level to other museums around Israel. It has exhibits that can engage kids and adults and that provide memorable educational experiences.
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The museum is housed in the historic Technion building, and houses over 20 permanent interactive exhibitions with more than 600 hands-on displays. All are described in Hebrew, Arabic and English. When there is vocalization, such as in the spacecraft exhibition, everything is in Hebrew, but this should not detract from the exhibit as the visual effects are amazing. There are lots of attendants around to help direct you.
One could spend an entire day in the museum, although you might find this quite exhausting. Especially if your time or your kids’ attention spans are limited, the following are four exhibits that should not be missed:
Space Journey: The entrance to the impressive space exploration exhibit is on the first floor and depending on when you arrive at the museum you may have to line up. You are taken to a room that functions as a spacecraft. With the aid of a movie narration from the space craft operators, the view from the windows and floor takes you from Haifa on planet earth into outer space and back, including a visit to a large imaginary space station on the moon.
The Noble Energy Science Park outside is a must. There is a fountain in which small kids can get west. Themed zones are dedicated to historic figures such as Archimedes, Newton, Da Vinci and Bernoulli. The exhibits are large, including a small boat and pullies that move, and are fun to play even if you your kids have no idea of what’s going on. Even better if they do. There is also a retired Israeli Aur Force jet on display
On the other side of the science park is another building with more exhibits:
Behind the Screens exhibit: This thought-provoking, interactive exhibit delves into the hidden dimensions of our digital lives. It invites visitors to explore how seemingly simple online actions leave lasting traces that can be used not necessarily to your advantage — and how the digital world shapes our identities and relationships without us fully realizing it.
A new and vivid exhibit in this building looks at the circulatory system. You are in room with sound and surrounded by details of the blood circulatory system with moving blood contents at a microscopic level on every wall. Explanations describe the function of the circulatory system in delivering oxygen from the lungs to every cell in the body.
​Directions and parking: Enter “Madatech” into Waze. There may be street parking. At very popular times such as during school vacation, go to a nearby parking lot.​
Admission: The museum is open Sunday to Thursday 9.30 a.m. to 5.45 p.m., Friday 9.30 a.m. to 3.45 p.m, Saturday and Jewish holidays 9.30 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. The ticket office loses one hour prior to the museum closing. Admission for age 5 and up 89 NIS, students and seniors 44.5 NIS, children under 5 years are free. A family pass can be purchased. There is a small discount by advance booking on line, especially if you are senior with a valid senior card. There is a non-kosher cafeteria for hot and cold drinks and quick meals. There is no designated picnic area, but seems to be no reason not to bring your own food into the cafeteria. This is their phone number: 04 861-4444. This is their Hebrew website:
Public transport: Enter “Madatech” into Moovit.
In the circulatory system
In the Noble Energy Science Park
Behind the screens exhibit.
Behind the screens exhibit
Space adventure.
More about the circulation
The Hecht Museum
The Hecht Museum is a gem of a small and nicely arranged archeological museum spanning the Canaanite to the Byzantine eras. The value of the museum is not only the exhibits but also the explanations of the various historic periods covered. There is no admission charge.
​Directions and parking: Enter “Hecht Museum” into Waze. There is a free parking lot close the museum. Ask the attendant for the university gate through which you enter for directions.​
Admission: The museum is open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. There is no admission charge. Groups can be accommodated in various languages. There is a charge for this. This is their phone number 04 824-0450. This is their website:
Public transport: Enter “Hecht Museum” into Moovit.
The Ma'agan Michael Ship from the 5th century BCE
This museum was founded in 1984 by Reuben Hecht, a collector and Zionist philanthropist who spent six decades gathering artifacts reflecting Israel’s historical cultures—especially from the Canaanite to Byzantine periods. He believed that archeology was an important expression of Zionism and that these ancient artifacts were proof of the link between the Jewish people and the Land of Israel. The collection is beneath the Eshkol Tower on the grounds of the University of Haifa on Mount Carmel.
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Prominently displayed is the Ma’agan Michael Ship, which is a remarkably preserved 5th-century BCE merchant vessel. It showcases its hull, anchor, tools, pottery and single‑armed wooden anchor — offering rare insight into ancient seafaring. There is a short movie in English with Hebrew subtitles. The story is that in 1985, a Kibbutz Ma‘agan Michael member (on Israel’s Mediterranean coast near Zikhron Ya’akov) noticed ancient wooden planks protruding from the seabed about 70 meters offshore and 1.5 meters under water. Maritime archaeologists from the University of Haifa were called in. A 5th-century BCE merchant ship was uncovered in remarkable condition, buried under layers of sand that had preserved it from shipworm and decay for over 2,400 years. The ship’s contents were stunningly well-preserved, offering a glimpse into daily life and ancient seafaring. These included tools, weapons, ceramics and personal items. It had about four sailors.
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An Art Wing holds Reuben Hecht’s personal collection, highlighting Impressionist, Post‑Impressionist, and School of Paris works, with major names like Monet, Manet, Pissarro, Van Gogh, Modigliani, and Max Liebermann. The Oscar Ghez Collection honors 18 Paris-based Jewish artists who perished in the Holocaust.
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Do go out onto the balcony. There are some statues. But particularly there is a superb view over the Haifa Bay.
The structure of Phoenician harbors in Athlit and Acco. The piers were made of ashlars that rose above the surface of the sea.
The Phoenician cities in Israel
Stone vessels in the Late Second Temple Period. These vessels were not susceptible to ritual impurity.
View from the balcony of the museum
Haifa’s cable cars
There are two cable car systems in Haifa, one of which starts from Haifa University:
Rakavlit. Rakavlit. From the Hecht Museum at Haifa University, you are very close to the 6th stop of the Rakavlit. This gondola lift descends 4.4 km over 19 minutes to the first stop at HaMifratz Central Bus Station and public transport hub at the foot of Mount Carmel. It passes the Technion on the way. If your car is at Haifa University, you will have accomplished absolutely nothing by going on a ride, but the experience is an interesting one! You can enter the station with your Ravcard. The cable car is part of the public transport system of Haifa and its main users are students.
The other system is more tourist orientated and goes from Bat Galim Promenade, which is close to the Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum and Elijah’s Cave, to the top station at Stella Maris. It operates in the spring from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., in the summer 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m., winter 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and Friday and holiday eves from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. The cost one way is 23 NIS and the return trip is 35 NIS. The trip is all of 5 minutes. At the top station you can complete your experience in one of the restaurants or enjoy another attraction such as Stella Maris Church, a visit to the Cave of Elijah and an observation point to Rosh Hanikra and the Gulf of Acre.
Bat Galim Promenade is a picturesque coastal walkway flanked by lush greenery and beautifully landscaped gardens. Along the way, are a variety of cafés and eateries. Bat Galim beach has beachside snack bars, free parking, benches, sitting areas, sporting facilities, and playgrounds. The breakwater provides for relaxed swimming. Because the beach is in the vicinity of Haifa Bay, in addition to the effect of the breakwater, the sea is calm and suitable for swimming most days of the week. There are 3 lifeguard stations along the beach.