The Tower of David – Museum of the History of Jerusalem has started offering "mixed and augmented reality" tours that allow visitors to experience key moments from Jerusalem's history via digital technology.

The museum's Innovation Lab has worked with tech start-up MARS (Mixed and Augmented Reality) and the Jerusalem Development Authority to develop the experience, which is delivered by tablets and headphones that visitors receive at the beginning of the tour.

Visitors can walk around Jerusalem in the time of King David, witness the legendary biblical fight between David and Goliath, experience the Great Revolt against the Romans and the Six Day War of 1967. The experience ends with a chance to take a selfie with the virtual King David.



"Visitors can interact with characters and our technology also creates a personal experience based on interests," said Ori Noam, CEO of MARS, speaking to The Jerusalem Post. "For example, what is offered to children is going to be more adventurous and interactive than what is in store for adults, who might be less drawn to games and more to content."

Museum director Eilat Lieber said the institution had been looking for innovative and engaging ways to make the museum and the history of Jerusalem more accessible for some time.

"The impressive archeological garden, the exhibition halls, the 360-degree panoramic view over the city, the 'Kishle' which was built in 1834, pools from the time of Herod, secret passages and rooftops of various heights – all these make the Tower of David an excellent test site for innovative technology, which digitally and interactively enriches the experience of the visitor," she said.