Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum, Haifa

Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum, Haifa

The Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum, situated in Haifa, offers a comprehensive exploration of the maritime history of the region, particularly focusing on clandestine immigration during the British Mandate for Palestine and the evolution of the Israeli navy since its inception. Named after David HaCohen, a prominent leader of the Jewish Yishuv, the museum was established by Colonel Yoske Coral and opened its doors to the public in 1969.

The museum's exhibits showcase the intertwined stories of clandestine immigration and Israel's naval development. It explores the links between clandestine immigration, the Palyam (Palmach's naval platoon), and the Haganah's naval service before Israel's founding. It also covers the establishment and operations of the Israeli Navy from its inception to today.

One of the museum's notable artifacts is the wreckage of the INS Dakar, an Israeli submarine that disappeared during its voyage to Israel in 1968 and was located in 1999 after decades of search efforts. Additionally, visitors can view remnants of MTB-203, the motor torpedo boat involved in the 1967 USS Liberty incident, which resulted in the loss of 25 U.S. Navy sailors. The museum also houses one of the three lifeboats launched by the USS Liberty during the attack, providing insight into this controversial event.

A special wing dedicated to the history of the Israeli Navy offers visitors an in-depth look at the naval branch through photographs, documents, battle diagrams, weaponry, ship models, and original exhibits. Notably, visitors have the opportunity to tour the interior of significant naval vessels such as the "Mivtach" naval ship and the "Gal" naval submarine, providing an immersive experience of Israel's naval history.

Why You Should Visit:
Not the slickest, glossiest museum you'll go to, but it's quite compelling, with some really fantastic stories and items that bring the stories to life.
You get to board the actual ship that carried many Jews to Palestine and see what cramped and nearly impossible conditions they lived under.
If you're a history buff, or if Israel has a special place in your heart, you will love learning about this naval museum.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Haifa. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum on Map

Sight Name: Clandestine Immigration and Naval Museum
Sight Location: Haifa, Israel (See walking tours in Haifa)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Haifa, Israel

Create Your Own Walk in Haifa

Create Your Own Walk in Haifa

Creating your own self-guided walk in Haifa is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bahai World Center Tour

Bahai World Center Tour

The Bahai Faith is a monotheistic religion that stemmed from Shiʻa Islam in the 19th century. Since its emergence, the religion has spread its influence to many parts of the world, with its spiritual and administrative center established in Israel.

The Bahai World Centre in Haifa is a religious complex that comprises several buildings, the most notable of which is the Shrine of the Bab, a holy...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Haifa Introduction Walking Tour

Haifa Introduction Walking Tour

Built in tiers extending from the Mediterranean up the north slope of Mount Carmel, the city of Haifa is a busy seaport and a key gateway to Israel.

The area of present-day Haifa has been inhabited since Biblical times, spanning in history more than 3,000 years. Throughout the millennia, it has changed hands numerous times, being conquered and ruled by various kingdoms and empires including the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles