Israel Railway Museum, Haifa

The Israel Railway Museum, located in Haifa, is the primary railway museum in Israel, housed within the historic Haifa East Railway Station. Although this station no longer serves passengers, it has been transformed into a cultural hub that showcases the history of Israel's railways. The museum offers an intriguing exploration of Israel's railway system, which has played a crucial role in connecting communities and driving economic growth.

Visitors to the museum can enjoy a diverse collection of locomotives, carriages, and historical artifacts that tell the story of Israel's railways from their humble beginnings. A significant moment in this history is the inauguration of the first railway line between Jaffa and Jerusalem in 1892. The museum's location adds to its appeal, as it was once the depot for the Jezreel Valley branch of the Hejaz Railway, and is situated within the original stone buildings of the Haifa East Station - the starting point of the famous "Valley Train."

The museum is divided into indoor and outdoor sections, showcasing a variety of items including rolling stock, signage, tickets, and other memorabilia. A notable feature of the visit is a pedestrian bridge that spans active railway lines, offering picturesque views of passing trains and the scenic surroundings of Haifa from the lower slopes of Mount Carmel. At the opposite end of the museum, visitors can explore small exhibits within a building, featuring historical tools, equipment, photographs, cards, stamps, and model trains.

Furthermore, the museum serves as an educational hub, offering workshops, lectures, and guided tours that delve into the history of the railway and its impact on the development of modern Israel.

Why You Should Visit:
Interesting spot which incorporates railroad history along with Ottoman & British Mandate history.
Signage is very helpful and you can climb into many of the retired old cars and engines

Tip:
Don't forget to visit the annex across the tracks for some more artifacts and photos.