Mini Israel
HaMerkaz
Mini Israel is a distinctive miniature park located near Latrun in the Ayalon Valley close to Jerusalem. Opened in November 2002, it features approximately 350 meticulously crafted scale models representing notable buildings and landmarks throughout Israel. The park covers 60,000 square meters, with 35,000 square meters dedicated to the exhibition of these miniatures. Each model is built primarily at a 1:25 scale, creating skyscrapers at adult height and historic churches around child height, with some exceptions for specific landmarks. The park is designed in the shape of a Star of David, with each of its six triangles representing different regions of Israel such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Galil, Negev, and the Center. Mini Israel illustrates sites of historical, religious, and cultural significance to Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and ethnic groups including Druze and Bedouin. The models incorporate real bonsai trees, thousands of miniature figures, vehicles, and animals, adding to the lifelike atmosphere. Visitors can explore the park’s extensive paths, enjoy rest areas, restaurants, and a souvenir shop. Despite its initial popularity, some kinetic features and models have deteriorated over time. The park also includes a hall for lectures and a film about its creation, enhancing the educational experience. Mini Israel offers a comprehensive and engaging overview of the country’s diverse heritage and landscape in a compact and accessible format, attracting mainly Israeli visitors but also tourists interested in Israel’s culture and history.
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Astuce: Visitors should consider arriving during weekdays or outside peak holiday periods to avoid crowds. Audio guides and motorized buggies are available to enhance the experience and assist with mobility. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended to ensure entry and potentially benefit from discounts. The park is best visited during spring or autumn when the weather is mild. Note that some kinetic exhibits may be non-functional due to maintenance challenges, so focus on the detailed static models and the educational film in the lecture hall. The park is closed on Shabbat and Jewish holidays as of recent ownership changes.
Faits intéressants
- •The park is shaped roughly like a Star of David, with each triangle representing a different region of Israel.
- •Mini Israel contains about 20,000 real bonsai trees cultivated and planted throughout the park.
- •Originally, many models featured kinetic moving parts such as trains, planes, and boats, though most are no longer functional.
- •A Google Street View of Mini Israel was completed in 2011 and became active in 2012.
- •The park includes an unmarked mass grave of Egyptian commandos killed in the 1967 Six-Day War, publicly revealed only in 2022 after censorship was lifted.
Histoire
The concept of Mini Israel was conceived by Israeli entrepreneur Eiran Gazit after his 1986 visit to Madurodam in the Netherlands.
Planning began in 1994 but was delayed due to the First Intifada.
The park officially opened in November 2002 and was funded mainly by Granite HaCarmel and Secom of the Shikun Ubinui Group, with partial funding from the Israel Tourism Office.
Built on land owned by Kibbutz Nachshon, it initially attracted over 350,000 visitors in its first nine months.
Ownership changed in 2020, leading to operational changes such as closing on Shabbat and the addition of new themed attractions.
Over two decades, maintenance challenges have led to deterioration of some models and kinetic features.
A significant historical site on the grounds is an unmarked mass grave of approximately 80 Egyptian commandos killed during the 1967 Six-Day War, a fact only publicly acknowledged in 2022 after censorship was lifted.
Guide du lieu
Jerusalem Area Models
This section features miniature replicas of Jerusalem's iconic landmarks, including the Old City walls, the Western Wall, and the Damascus Gate, showcasing the city's religious and historical significance.
Tel Aviv Models
Displays key buildings and urban landmarks of Tel Aviv, such as the Azrieli Center and other skyscrapers, representing the modern economic hub of Israel.
Haifa and Galil Sections
These areas depict northern Israel's cultural and historical sites, including the Bahai Gardens in Haifa and ancient towns in the Galilee region.
Negev and Southern Regions
Showcases desert landscapes and key southern landmarks such as the city of Eilat and the Masada fortress, emphasizing Israel's geographic diversity.
Central Israel and Kibbutz Models
Includes models of central Israeli cities and kibbutzim, illustrating modern settlement and agricultural communities.
Contact
Téléphone: 1-700-559-559
