The understated building behind the Knesset, past the Rose Garden, is the brand-new seat of the Israeli Supreme Court. Completed in late 1992, the building, with an interesting procession of interior spaces, is perhaps as acclaimed as the institution it houses. The designers (Karmi & Assoc.) tried to bring together the legacy of Modernist architecture with themes from traditional Jerusalem stone construction. You be the judge (open daily 9am-3pm; tours ill English Sun. 2pm, in Hebrew daily 2pm.) More to the west on the same hill are the Israeli Government buildings and the odd-looking Bank of Israel.

Across Rupin Rd. from the government center is the Giv’at Ram campus of the Hebrew University, where the university’s science departments are located. Tours of the Giv’at Ram campus leave Sunday through Thursday at 10am from the Visitors Center in the Sherman Building. For further information call 88 28 19. One of the main attractions on campus is the new, engaging Bloomfleid Science Museum (tel. 6l 81 28), where kids will leap at the chance to interact with live physical phenomena like gravity. Hot air generated in the nearby Knesset is used here to fill balloons. (Open Mon., Wed., Thurs. 10am-6pm. Tues. lOam-lOpm, Fri., Sat. 10am-3pm. Admission N1S12, students NIS10). The other attraction is the fabulous Ardon Window in the National Library, one of the two largest stained-glass windows in the world; it depicts Kabbalistic (Jewish mystical) symbols in rich, dark colors. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 9am-7pm, Fri. 9am-lpm. Library and window free.)