
Archaeology
Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Archaeology Wing
The land of Israel has been the home of peoples of different cultures and beliefs for some one and a half million years. It is to these people and their cultures that the exhibition galleries of the Archaeology Wing is dedicated, serving as primary showcase to the rich and fascinating local archaeological heritage. The archaeological collection on display here is considered among the world's leading collections of its kind, for its scope and quality.
It takes the visitor on a journey of unparalleled depth into the historical course of ancient Israel; the birthplace of the Bible, and the cradle of the three monotheistic religions; from prehistoric times - to the beginning of the Ottoman period.
Historical events of prime importance, cultural achievements, technological innovations, and artistic creativity are all displayed in the galleries through thousands of ancient artifacts, many of them are one of a kind. These objects offer a close look to the lifestyle, beliefs, and worldview of the peoples of this area – from ordinary people to kings and monarchs – in distant and fascinating times.
Broadening the scope are the galleries devoted to Neighboring Cultures: Egypt, the Ancient Near East, Greece, Italy, and the Islamic Near East. They tell the story of the civilizations which left deep imprints on the land of ancient Israel over the centuries.
The exhibition is further enriched by thematic galleries: Early Hebrew Writing, Coins in Context, and Glass Through the Ages, which shed light on some of the important achievements of local culture.
All these offer the visitor a comprehensive overview of the history of the region and an extraordinary experience. Most of the objects on display were found in local archaeological excavations and loaned to the Museum by the Israel Antiquities Authority and other sources; the display is further enhanced by the museum collections, built over the years thanks to the generosity of donors and lenders. We are grateful to them all.
The Archaeology Wing includes the Shrine of the Book, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the Model of Jerusalem in the Second Temple Period, illustrating the city in one of the most crucial periods in its history. This exceptional complex, placed on the Israel Museum Campus, is one of Jerusalem’s topmost attractions.
The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum is an off-campus branch of the Wing, located next to the Old City of Jerusalem. This museum displays an impressive collection of important archaeological objects, which were discovered in excavations, from the days of the beginning of local archaeology until the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
Dr. Haim Gitler, Tamar and Teddy Kollek Chief Curator of Archaeology
The Thinker from Yehud
The Thinker from Yehud
The jug on display was uncovered in the tomb of a Canaanite warrior, where it had been deposited along with other burial gifts: pottery, weapons, and animal bones, including those of a donkey. The design of the jug is exceptional, and although clay indicates that the jug was produced locally, to ...
The Orthostat Temple at Hazor
Virtual reality tour
Special Exhibit
The Orthostat Temple at Hazor
Virtual reality tourSpecial Exhibit
The first virtual tour, incorporated into the Canaanite gallery, devoted to the Orthostat temple in the great city of Hazor, which existed ca. 3,400 years ago. The tour, based on the archaeological finds alone, enables the visitor to experience the setting of a Canaanite temple, from two viewing ...
Emoglyphs
Picture-Writing from Hieroglyphs to the Emoji
EmoglyphsPicture-Writing from Hieroglyphs to the Emoji
The hieroglyphic script that developed in Egypt some 5,000 years ago comprised hundreds of pictures. Over time, the pictures were replaced by a writing system consisting of approximately twenty signs: the alphabetic script that reigns in Western culture to this day. Picturewriting appea...
Cultural Pioneers aboard the Ruslan
An exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the Central Zionist Archives
Cultural Pioneers aboard the RuslanAn exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of the Central Zionist Archives
In December 1919, following a stormy passage from Odessa, the SS Ruslan landed at the port of Jaffa. This ship is often called the Mayflower of the Land of Israel, since its 600 passengers included many figures who would enter the Zionist pantheon: intellectuals and ideologues, artists ...
Archaeology of the Land of Israel
Archaeology of the Land of Israel
Neighboring Cultures
Neighboring Cultures
Thematic Collections
Thematic Collections
Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
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