Under the sea

Jerusalem’s aquarium invites visitors to spend the night

In addition to sleepovers, Israel Aquarium sports behind-the-scenes tours and two new exhibits

Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center

Sea turtles in the tanks at Jerusalem's Israel Aquarium, where visitors can stay late on Thursday nights in the 2024-2025 winter season. (courtesy, Israel Aquarium)

The Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem is offering behind-the-scenes tours, longer hours and slumber parties on Thursday nights this winter.

During the Thursday tours, available until 7 p.m., visitors can learn how the aquarium brings in the huge amounts of water necessary for keeping its aquatic plants and animals, and hear from fishkeepers about the lives of the fish, invertebrates, amphibians and aquatic reptiles at the aquarium.

The tours include a close-up look at the feeding of the sea turtles, some of them rescued from Israel’s shores, and healed at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Michmoret before being moved to the aquarium.

Kids over 6 can also sleep over at the aquarium Thursday nights, with reservations available online.

There are two exhibits currently on display at the aquarium.

One is “Creatures Speak,” featuring the paintings and illustrations of water creatures by artist Dudy Shamay. Shamay’s works are open to the public on weekends and holidays, and to groups by appointment during the week.

The second, “Under the Sea,” shows pieces of jewelry inspired by the sea and its creatures, created by the Yael Shkedi Jewelry School, on display at the aquarium through January 4, 2025.

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