Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem

Photo © Holly Hayes. View all images in our Bible Lands Museum Photo Gallery.

Photo © Holly Hayes.

The Bible Lands Museum is a modern building in West Jerusalem that houses a fascinating collection of ancient treasures reflecting the various cultures of the Holy Land region in biblical times.

The museum, which opened in 1992, was founded by Dr. Elie Borowski, a passionate scholar of ancient Middle Eastern civilization, and his wife. The Borowskis gave the museum a good start by donating their impressive private collection, which they had amassed over 40 years.

The exhibits are arranged chronologically, with artifacts from different cultures from the same time period placed side by side. This clever arrangement gives the visitor a clear understanding of how the various cultures evolved and interacted with one another.

The collection features many beautiful works of art from Ancient Egypt, Syria, Anatolia, Mesopotamia and Persia. The wide variety of objects includes ancient inscriptions, jewelry, mosaics, seals, ivory carvings and scarabs.

Specific highlights include a 4th-century sarcophagus of Julia Latronilla, with a bas-relief depiction of the life of Jesus (among the earliest known representations of Jesus and elements of Christian theology); an Egyptian cosmetics container in the shape of a swimming girl; a Minoan terra-cotta sarcophagus, painted in bright colors with folk motifs; and a 1st-century AD Roman linen shroud painted with the serene image of a woman.

The museum also provides a remarkable computer/video program that brings these minute works of art to life with detailed, fascinating explanations.

Quick Facts on Bible Lands Museum

Site Information
Names:	Bible Lands Museum; Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem
City:	Jerusalem
Country:	Israel & Palestine
cat:	Museums; Biblical Sites
faith:	Judaism; Christianity
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:	Jerusalem,
Coordinates:	31.774969° N, 35.202245° E (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:	View hotels near this location

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Bible Lands Museum

Below is a location map and aerial view of Bible Lands Museum. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem - Official Site
Bible Lands Museum - Municipality of Jerusalem
Eyewitness Travel Guide to Jerusalem and the Holy Land, 1st ed.
Frommer's Online-Only Guides

More Information

Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem - Go Historic
Photos of Bible Lands Museum - here on Sacred Destinations

Article Info

Title:	Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem
Author:	Holly Hayes
Last updated:	02/11/2010
Permalink:	www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-bible-lands-museum
Link code:	<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-bible-lands-museum">Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem</a>