The museum is easy to find while on your walk outside the Old City. All the archeological finds are displayed in an open manner and are truly stunning. Easy to read labels in English, Hebrew and Arabic. Not to be missed for those interested in the history of the region.
Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
A magnificent building housing an equally magnificent collection of antiquities unearthed in the Holy Land during the British Mandate period, the Rockefeller Archaeological Museum is a testament to the wealth of civilizations that played parts in the history – and prehistory – of the land. The museum was established by James Henry Breasted, the founder and director of the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute, who, during a trip to Palestine in 1925, was appalled to discover that Jerusalem had no proper archaeological museum. Breasted enlisted the assistance of American philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr., who donated 2 million US$ to the project.
The site chosen for the building was just to the northeast of the Old City on Sultan Suliman Street. When it was opened in 1938, the museum was officially called the Palestine Archaeological Museum, but even then was widely known as the Rockefeller Museum.
During the 1967 Six-Day War, Israeli soldiers captured the distinct hexagonal building and used its towers as lookouts. Since Israel consolidated its control of east Jerusalem, the museum has been jointly managed by the Israel Museum and the Israel Antiquities Authority, which also keeps its main offices in the building. Like the exhibitions at the Bible Lands Museum, the Rockefeller Museum’s many important artifacts are displayed chronologically – the oldest dates back one million years.
Notable among these are original 8th-century wooden panels from the Al-Aqsa Mosque and 12th-century marble lintels from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, as well as findings from the Lachish, Ashkelon and Megiddo cities.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 101 traveler reviews“Free admission, stunning archeological finds.”
“Must go”
Free entry. The museum was located across the road from Herod’s gate. It housed a huge collection of artefacts unearthed in Israel. There were some previous archives photo on displayed throughout the museum. Separated into North and South wing and there were some side halls displaying artefacts unearthed from other eras. All the artefacts were...
MoreFree entry. The museum was located across the road from Herod’s gate. It housed a huge collection of artefacts unearthed in Israel. There were some previous archives photo on displayed throughout the museum. Separated into North and South wing and there were some side halls displaying artefacts unearthed from other eras. All the artefacts were numbered however not all of them were given a description and explanation of its purpose in its era. The museum is well lit and cool. It’s roof was high. Toilet facilities were free for use and a water dispenser for the thirsty. Overall a great place to spend a morning before leaving Jerusalem.
Less“Not Something You Can Normally See in a Modern Archaeological Museum”
That's a very unusual place. Needless to say, it's an Israeli museum, despite the funny signs it has something to do with some Palestinian state's ministry - no such state, no such ministry. But there is a really nice museum that makes an impression as if it's got stuck somewhere in the 60's. Stroll...
MoreThat's a very unusual place. Needless to say, it's an Israeli museum, despite the funny signs it has something to do with some Palestinian state's ministry - no such state, no such ministry. But there is a really nice museum that makes an impression as if it's got stuck somewhere in the 60's. Stroll down the halls full of artifacts belonging to different periods, read about them from the laminated information sheets placed in wall-mounted plastic containers in a rather disorderly manner, and don't forget about the beautiful patio. Two hours should suffice.
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