- Address: Ayalon Valley, Latrun, Israel;
- Phone: +972 8-630-7400;
- Foundation date: 1982;
- Official site: yadlashiryon.com;
- Working hours: daily from 8.30 to 16.30 (Friday 8.30-12.30, Saturday 9.00-16.00)
- The cost of visiting: adult - $ 8.5, children, students and pensioners - $ 6.
Few places on Earth cause in experienced travelers such stormy emotions as Israel . The breathtaking beauty of its high hills and spreading valleys, pacifying the silence of the Dead Sea, the mysterious colorful glare of the Ramon crater, as well as the ancient walls and trails of Nazareth and Jerusalem, love all tourists instantly and irrevocably. In addition to countless natural attractions of this unique country, tourists also enjoy great popularity historical places, telling of sometimes difficult past. The tank museum in Israel is one of the main treasuries of the state, and its main features will be described in more detail below.
Basic information
The full name of one of the best museums in Israel sounds like the "Museum of Armored Forces", or the Armored Museum "Yad La-Shirion" (Yad La-Shiryon). There is a building in the center of the Ayalon valley, just 30 minutes from the official capital of the state and the oldest city in the world of Jerusalem. According to official documents, the first cornerstone of the future building was laid on January 14, 1982.
As is known, the Museum of Tank Equipment was created on the initiative of veteran officers of the armored corps of Israel. In its territory today there are more than 110 types of armored combat vehicles, including captured enemy samples, for example, Merkava and T-72 tanks. Such a large collection attracts the attention of hundreds of thousands of travelers from around the world every year, making this memorial site one of the most visited in the Middle East today.
Structure of the Museum of tanks in Israel
The main building of the Tank Museum is a fortress called "Mandat-Terag" . On its territory there is a synagogue and a large library with a public electronic card file of every soldier who died. The thick walls of the fortress serve as a reminder of the military past of the structure and its use by the Arab legion. The main distinguishing feature of the Mandate-Terag is its "tower of tears", created with the help of the famous Israeli artist Danny Caravan. On its inner part, covered with steel, flows from all sides, circulating from a special pool, thanks to which, and was given such an interesting name.
In addition to the fortress, the Museum of tank technology includes:
- The museum of the history of the armored corps is one of the departments of the complex, including such exhibits as the Assyrian and Egyptian chariots, more than 10 full-scale models of tanks, as well as sketches of the armed car of Leonardo da Vinci.
- The amphitheater is the largest outdoor playground in the city, where various important ceremonies and performances are held.
- The exhibition hall , where you can see thematic photos, videos, pictures, poems, etc. On the big screen, you can see footage from documentaries of the past and the present.
- The monument to the Allied forces is a monument that serves as a tribute to the allies of the Second World War, led by the United States, Britain and the Soviet Union. Over the rocky pile, 3 main battle tanks were installed, which served in the armies of the Allied forces on different fronts: the British Cromwell, the American Sherman and the Soviet T-34. The monument is surrounded by the flags of 19 countries and organizations that actively participated in the struggle, including the flag of the Jewish brigade.
- The memorial wall , on which the names of all the soldiers from armored corps, who died in the times of the Arab-Israeli war of 1947-1949, were engraved.
The museum collection "Yad le-Shirion"
The Tank Museum's visiting card and, at the same time, its most famous exhibit is the American M4 Sherman tank , located on the top of the former water tower. It was this machine that was one of the first to fight in the service of the IDF. Unfortunately, to this day the legendary tank has not been fully preserved. Since its weight exceeded 34 tons, and the tower could withstand a maximum of only 25 tons, the Sherman eventually removed the engine and transmission.
Among other not less interesting vehicles represented in the collection of the Museum of tanks are:
- Israeli models of Merkava, Shoet ;
- American M3 Scout Car, M41 Walker Bulldog, M107 self-propelled gun, M113 armored personnel carrier ;
- British "Saladin", "Archer", infantry tank "Matilda II" and several varieties of "Centurion" ;
- French AMX-13, Hotchkiss H35, Renault R35 ;
- German Pz. IV, Sturmgeschütz III, The Leopard ;
- Soviet BTR-40, BTR-50, BTR-60, ISU-152, T-34 and many others.
Useful information for tourists
Before you go to the sightseeing, check out the schedule of the Tank Museum. Its doors are open for visitors from Sunday to Thursday from 8.30 to 16.30, Friday - from 8.30 to 12.30 and on Saturday from 9.00 to 16.00. Entrance to the territory is paid and is about $ 8.5 for an adult and $ 6 for children, students and pensioners.
How to get there?
The Museum of Tanks ( Israel ) is located in the central part of the city Latrun, so that foreign tourists can easily get there by taxi or by public transport. The nearest stop to the memorial site is Hativa Sheva Junction / Latrun, which is followed by routes Nos. 99, 403, 404, 432-436, 443, 448, 458, 460, 470, 491, 492, 494 and 495.
If you are planning to get to the museum by car, follow the route number 3. At the crossroads near the Latrun monastery, take the road marked on the map as the "Israel National Trail" and follow it a couple of minutes before the sign.