The Yad La-Shiryon (Latrun Tank Museum) is one of Israel’s most impressive open-air museums and a key place for understanding the country’s modern history. Located at Latrun, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the museum occupies the grounds of a former British police fortress, a site that played a strategic role during the 1948 War of Independence.

The museum was established in the 1980s as a memorial to Israel’s Armored Corps and to the soldiers who served and fell in armored units. Over time, it developed into a large national museum that documents the history of armored warfare in Israel and the technological evolution of tanks from different periods and countries.

Today, visitors can see one of the world’s largest collections of armored vehicles displayed outdoors. The exhibition includes Israeli tanks used in various wars, captured enemy tanks from neighboring armies, and armored vehicles from Europe, the Soviet Union, the United States, and other regions. Many of the tanks are accessible from the outside, allowing visitors to closely observe their structure, size, and design. In addition to tanks, the museum features artillery pieces, armored personnel carriers, memorial walls, and historical explanations that place the machines within the broader story of Israel’s conflicts.

The location of the museum adds to its significance. Latrun sits on a hill overlooking the main road to Jerusalem, an area that has been contested since biblical times and was especially critical in the mid-20th century. Walking through the museum grounds, visitors experience not only military history but also the landscape that shaped it.

The museum is well organized for visitors. A large parking area is located directly near the entrance, making access easy for families and tour groups. The standard entrance ticket costs 30 shekels, and the open layout allows visitors to explore the site at their own pace.

Today, the Latrun Tank Museum functions both as a place of remembrance and as an educational space. It attracts history enthusiasts, families, soldiers, and travelers interested in understanding Israel beyond its ancient past — through the lens of modern history, defense, and national memory.