In 2010 the Israel Antiquities Authority and the city of Lod advanced a detailed plan that regulates the use of the land in and around the mosaic compound. The plan allows for the development of a visitor center there, regularizing the public area around it, as well the traffic and parking. The plan was validated in early 2013.
The location of the compound at the entrance to the city, next to Ginnaton Junction and the planned Nahal Ayalon Park, facilitates its development as an urban landmark, as a focal point of urban renewal and development of the cultural and tourist sites in Lod.
The building and the town square next to it were designed as a single unit. The layout of the plan is based on a grid similar to that of an archaeological excavation (5 ª 5 m) thereby making it possible to conduct archaeological excavations later on in the area of the square without disrupting the activity in it (Figs. 1, 2). As an open space the town square will allow a variety of activities of an urban nature to take place for example: a town happening and recreational activities for some of the residents. The square slopes in the direction of the entrance to the museum at the front of which will be displayed the Byzantine mosaic that will be conserved in situ and be accessible to every passerby.
The Roman mosaic will be on display in the main exhibition hall. A peripheral path around it will provide visitors different vantage points from which to observe at the mosaic and there will also be places to stop for explanations. The path will begin on the level of the mosaic and will reach a height of 6.50 meters. The multitude of vantage points will allow the visitor to receive detailed explanations of the finds and glean impressions of the mosaic’s artistic qualities (Fig. 3–7).
Another space for activities and services is planned next to the exhibition hall. This space will be divided into the following functions: an entrance lobby, a screening room, gift shop, snack bar and toilets. These are meant to serve the local community and will be used for other cultural and recreational activities.
The Roman mosaic was removed from its site at the beginning of the planning process for the sake of its conservation and presentation. Since then it has been exhibited in some of the leading museums in the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Louvre in Paris. The exhibitions have aroused great interest. Upon completion of the construction the mosaic will be returned to its original location and the museum will be opened to the public.
