About the Institute 

The Institute

The Jerusalem Institute for Research and Digital Documentation of Cultural Heritage is an innovative research center dedicated to preserving, studying, and sharing Jerusalem’s rich historical and cultural legacy through advanced digital methodologies. Based at the Jerusalem Multidisciplinary College, the institute applies cutting-edge technology to safeguard the city’s heritage, ensuring accessibility for scholars, conservationists, and the wider public.

Jerusalem’s complex historical layers, spanning thousands of years, require meticulous documentation to maintain their integrity in the face of modern development and environmental challenges. The institute employs a variety of digital techniques, including 3D scanning, photogrammetry, multispectral imaging, and geospatial mapping, to create detailed records of archaeological sites, historic landmarks, ancient inscriptions, and cultural artifacts. These digital archives provide invaluable resources for conservation efforts, scholarly research, and educational outreach.

By integrating digital humanities with scientific precision, the institute enables a deeper understanding of Jerusalem’s cultural significance. Its work ensures that fragile materials—such as manuscripts, deteriorating architectural features, and heritage sites vulnerable to urbanization—are preserved in high-resolution formats for future generations.
The institute collaborates with universities, museums, archives, heritage organizations, and government agencies both locally and internationally. These partnerships enhance its ability to contribute to academic publications, exhibitions, and conservation projects. Through interdisciplinary research, the institute fosters global dialogues on best practices in cultural heritage documentation.
Additionally, its digital archives assist archaeologists, historians, and researchers in exploring aspects of Jerusalem’s historical development in ways that were previously impossible. The use of interactive 3D reconstructions and virtual tours allows for immersive engagement, making heritage more accessible to scholars and the public alike.

A core aspect of the institute’s mission is engaging the public with Jerusalem’s historical and cultural narratives. It develops educational programs, online platforms, and multimedia exhibitions that bridge the gap between academia and the broader community. By making digital heritage resources widely available, the institute fosters a deeper appreciation of Jerusalem’s role as a crossroads of civilizations.
Interactive digital tools, such as high-resolution models of ancient inscriptions and reconstructed historic neighborhoods, allow users to explore and learn about the city’s evolution over time. These initiatives empower both local and international audiences to connect with Jerusalem’s past in meaningful ways.

The institute’s work extends beyond documentation—it actively supports heritage conservation through digital modeling and predictive analysis. By identifying areas at risk due to climate change, urban expansion, and environmental degradation, the institute provides essential data for heritage management strategies.
Through the fusion of technological advancements and historical scholarship, the Jerusalem Institute for Research and Digital Documentation of Cultural Heritage plays a vital role in ensuring that Jerusalem’s heritage remains accessible and well-preserved for generations to come.