The Joe Alon Center (Museum of Bedouin Culture)
Located just a few kilometers north of Beersheva in the Lahav Forest, the Joe Alon Center (Museum of Bedouin Culture) offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the Negev Desert as it has never been seen before. The center provides educational programming focused on desert geography and that of Israel, along with the Negev’s most famous residents – the Bedouin.
In highlighting the Bedouin experience, the Joe Alon Center (Museum of Bedouin Culture) displays traditional objects and cultural activities from the tribal, nomadic Bedouin way of life in the desert. Spiritual traditions and objects from everyday life are available for viewing in an attempt to preserve this way of life, which is quickly disappearing as the Bedouin population becomes continually more settled and modernized. Authentic Bedouin guides lead guests through the museum, sharing personal stories to accompany the photographs and items on display. A Bedouin hospitality tent with traditional tea and coffee awaits guests at the end of the museum tour.
The Joe Alon Center (Museum of Bedouin Culture) also features a Bar Kochba Wing dedicated to sharing the story of the famous 2nd century CE revolt through a film, interactive games and a tour through one of the many excavated caves used during the revolt. There is also an exhibit about the Jewish National Fund (JNF) work in building up the Negev Desert and creating residential outposts throughout. Additionally, the Joe Alon Center's (Museum of Bedouin Culture) rooftop has been turned into a lookout point, providing views of the breathtaking Negev Desert and the surrounding Lahav and Yair forests.
The Joe Alon Center (Museum of Bedouin Culture) is open Saturday through Thursday from 9 am until 4 pm, Fridays and holiday eves until 2 pm. The Joe Alon Center (Museum of Bedouin Culture) offers special programming and it recommended to check the website for updates.