The scrolls are the oldest manuscripts of the Old Testament ever found. The Museum also has a wonderful sculpture garden with masterpieces by Rodin, Henry Moore and others, galleries with works by modern and classical artists, including Rembrandt, Chagall , Picasso and Mir , and archaeological relics dating as far back as the Early Stone Age. The Museum is also known for having perhaps the world's finest collection of Judaica. The Knesset Not far from the Israel Museum are many of the Israeli government ministries and the Knesset , Israel's parliament. When visiting the Knesset and other government offices, be sure to bring a passport.
Security is tight and the lines to pass through the gates are sometimes long.
Once inside the building, the highlight of the tour is the State Hall where three tapestries and a mosaic created by Marc Chagall decorate the walls and 12 mosaics cover the floor. Just as most visitors to the U.S. Capitol are surprised when they find few, if any, members of Congress in the chambers most of the time, it is likely the Knesset will also be empty, or nearly so, unless a major issue is being debated while you are there. Unlike Congress, debates in the Knesset are free-wheeling, with frequent shouting and finger pointing. Like the British Parliament, the opposition also heckles the Prime Minister and other government officials. Across from the entrance to the Knesset is the impressive bronze menorah given to Israel as a gift from the British government in 1956.