IDF History Museums

Overview

Before the establishment of the State of Israel, many underground movements operated to protect and secure the Jewish people. Each had its own story, mission, and heroes — and after the state's founding, these stories were told through separate museums across the country.

Over time, the Israeli Ministry of Defense recognized the need to unify these independent institutions into one coherent narrative — creating the IDF Museums Unit. The goal: to tell the shared story of courage, unity, and sacrifice that led to the formation of the IDF.

The Challenge

Each museum operated as an independent entity with separate funding and limited visibility. Some museums benefited from strong marketing support, while others struggled to reach the public.

This imbalance diluted the collective story of Israel's early defense forces and fragmented the visitor experience. The challenge was to create one unified digital platform that connects all 12 museums, preserves each story's uniqueness, and presents a cohesive national narrative for younger audiences.

Research & Insights

Through user research and visitor journey mapping, we explored how people engage with historical content and what kind of experiences they expect from a museum visit — both online and on-site.

We identified the main audiences: students, soldiers, families, and educators, and defined their different motivations — learning, commemoration, and national identity.

Our mission was to design the first digital encounter with these stories — the online experience that sparks curiosity and inspires a
museum visit.

Key Solutions

1. One Unit, One Platform

We designed a unified "hub website" for the entire Museums Unit — bringing together all 12 museums under one accessible digital framework.

Each museum received a dedicated sub-site, built within a shared conceptual model and design system, allowing fast development, consistent storytelling, and equal visibility.

2. The Museums Map

Because the museums are spread throughout Israel, we created an interactive geographic map that visually connects their physical locations to the broader historical narrative.

Visitors can explore, learn about each museum's unique focus, and get directions directly to the chosen site.

3. Stories, Events & Connection

Beyond static information, we added a dynamic layer of events and stories — a unified calendar highlighting ceremonies, anniversaries, and educational activities across all museums.

We also designed a monthly newsletter interface, curated by the Museums Unit, to keep audiences connected to the living history of Israel's defense heritage.

Outcome

The result was a digital ecosystem that balanced individual identity with collective purpose — giving each museum its rightful place in the shared story of Israel's independence and defense.

For the first time, users could experience a unified narrative that reflects the cooperation and sacrifice that built the nation — both historically and in design.