Organized by era, a nice archaeological history of the region. The current exhibit on techelet (blue) is most interesting as well.
The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem
The Bible Lands Museum prides itself on being the only history museum in the world that documents the development of civilization from the biblical point of view. Focusing on the cultures of the Ancient Near East, the museum holds one of the world’s most fascinating collections of antiques and archaeological treasures that span history from the dawn of civilization through the rise of Christianity and the Talmudic period, ranging from the prehistoric period to the Mishna and Talmud period.
Permanent exhibitions
See the Bible stories with your own eyes. The museum’s 21 galleries present a chronological journey through the early civilizations of the ancient Near East. You will find statues, rare artifacts, jewelry, inscriptions, mosaics and pottery vessels from ancient Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Greece and Rome. In addition, the museum has a Roman Fresco Room where you will find an impressive collection of beautiful Roman frescos from the villas of Boscotrecase, a suburb of Pompeii, which were preserved under lava for centuries.
Alternating exhibitions
Out of the Blue
This new exhibition follows the origins of colors tekhelet (light blue) and argaman (crimson) and their historic and cultural meanings from ancient times until today. This journey begins with lapis lazuli – a rare blue stone which was discovered in Afghanistan thousands of years ago – and goes through the mysterious banded dye-murex – a unique snail that lives in the depths of the Mediterranean sea and was used to create a spectacular blue color. The exhibition will display archeological and historic findings that have a deep cultural meaning: 2000 year old blue and crimson fabrics will be presented for the first time, a unique god crown studded with lapis lazuli stone, an Egyptian royal jar which was painted in argaman purple and given as a gift to a Persian king, and other archeological evidence of the argaman industry on the shores of Israel, and even rare tallits and flags that have a historic meaning in relation to our 70 year old state.
Bible Lands Start-Up
This experiential exhibition celebrates 70 years of our unique Start-Up Nation. The show researches the roots of Israeli innovation among the cultures of the Ancient Near East – the home of early civilizations. Touring the exhibition, discover ancient inventions, which had become an inseparable part of our daily lives. See some of the Israel’s most surprising and successful start-ups and compare the needs of people in ancient times to the needs of modern civilizations. And perhaps, this way we can understand better what it is about this place that turns its inhabitants into the greatest inventors in history, throughout all of history.
Jerusalem in Babylon: New light on the Judean Exiles
Following the success of By the Rivers of Babylon exhibition and in honor of the museum’s 25th anniversary, Bible Lands Museum is happy to present “Jerusalem in Babylon” exhibition. The exhibition showcases documents written on clay tablets and offering evidence of the lives of Judean exiles in Babylon during the first generations after the destruction of the first temple. The consequences of this exile were critical and pivotal, forcing the Judeans to develop a national and religious identity and to become a nation that would survive against all odds and that would never lose the hope to return to Zion.
Curators: Ori Meiri & Yehuda Kaplan
Gods, Heroes and Mortals in Ancient Greece
Discover a spectacular collection of ancient Greek pottery that dates back 2500-4000 years. This exhibition revives ancient Greek mythology through its manifestation in Greek culture and everyday life, from the Middle Bronze Age until the Classical period. Come to hear and watch the stories of Zeus, Hercules and Achilles as they emerge from Ancient Greek pottery. Glance into the everyday culture of Athens and other legendary Greek cities through ornamented oil and wine vessels, small jars and pots.
Conferences & Events at the Bible Lands Museum
In addition to the unique biblical story, Bible Lands Museum is also known for its event venues. The museum includes 6 venues in various sizes for events of all types: conferences, lectures, seminars, launches, weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and bris ceremonies. One of the more exclusive options, especially for those celebrating bar/bat mitzvahs, is combining the historic experience with your event programme by adding an interactive tour for children and adults. Tours are given in a variety of themes and topics, such as: Bible stories, Jewish holidays, and more.
The museum offers a luxurious and classic banquet hall. The venue is ideal for product launches, cocktail parties, bris ceremonies, and winter weddings. For those who prefer outdoor venues, the museum offers its absolutely magical “Seven Species” garden – perfect for summer weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, poetry nights and musical performances.
For info & details call Tel. 072-3384991
Photos: Nadav Arieli, Yoni Kleverman, Shani Kichi
Admission Fees
Adult – 44 ILS
Child(5-18)/student/soldier/disabled/Oleh Chadash/senior – 22 ILS
Non-Israeli seniors – 35 ILS
*Free admission for children on Wednesdays after 4 pm and on Saturdays!
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 238 traveler reviews“A nice museum for a brief visit”
“Facinating look at hostory and religion”
The Middle East since the dawn of civilization has been a source of religion, economics, culture and much, much more for the whole world. An excellent presentation of religion, customs and cultures from antiquity to recent times with countless wonderful artifacts.
“Interesting but noisy tour guides”
It costs 44 Shekels to visit. The artifacts are interesting but you have to download their mobile app to have an audio guide. Problem is this app asks for permission to access all your text messages, phone calls, numbers etc otherwise you cannot use it....I am surprised they don't just have an audio guide...
MoreIt costs 44 Shekels to visit. The artifacts are interesting but you have to download their mobile app to have an audio guide. Problem is this app asks for permission to access all your text messages, phone calls, numbers etc otherwise you cannot use it....I am surprised they don't just have an audio guide which you use and then hand back. I have given this review an average as I struggled to enjoy myself as groups were touring and the main tour guide was talking incredibly loudly so I missed some of the gallery. I went on my own as opposed to with a group. They give you a 10% discount to use at the Israel museum.
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