BYU Jerusalem Center

What is the BYU Jerusalem Center?

The Jerusalem Center is Brigham Young University's center for study in Jerusalem. Students enroll through the BYU campus in Provo, Utah, travel to the Holy Land, and live in the Center for programs that extend for two or four months. Students study a core curriculum that focuses on Old and New Testament, ancient and modern Near Eastern studies, and language (Hebrew and Arabic). Classroom study is built around field trips that cover the length and breadth of the Holy Land.

The Center itself is a beautiful building on Mount Scopus overlooking the Mount of Olives, the Kidron Valley, and the Old City. The 125,000 square-foot, eight-level structure is set amid five acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. The first five levels (moving up from the lowest level) provide dormitory and apartment space for up to 170 students. Dormitory rooms accommodate four people with ample study space and a private bath. Each of these rooms has a patio overlooking the Old City. The sixth level houses a cafeteria, classrooms, computer facilities, and a gymnasium. Administrative and faculty offices are located on the seventh level, as is a 250-seat auditorium. The main entry is on the eighth level, which also contains a spectacular recital and special events auditorium with organ, lecture rooms, general and reserve libraries, offices, a domed theater, and a learning resource area.

Are the BYU Jerusalem Center facilities open to the public?

The facilities at the Jerusalem Center are available only to full-time students formally enrolled in a BYU Jerusalem Center program. For those interested in visiting the building, a 45-60 minute tour is available. The tour includes a hosting video, a ten-minute organ recital, and a tour of the eighth floor and the Jerusalem Center gardens. To schedule a tour or to obtain information on tour availability, please contact the hosting staff at the Jerusalem Center by calling 011-972-2-626-5666.