Bible Lands Museum, Jerusalem
"Each of the objects has its time in history, its location in space, its meaning in religion and daily life,
and last but not least, its beauty and artistry."
-- Dr. Elie Borowski, founder of the Bible Lands Museum
L to R: Mummy portrait (300 AD); Ramses II doorpost (1250 BC); silver Eucharistic cup (500AD); Syrian Sphinx inlay (800 BC) (photos © Bible Lands Museum).
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
| Address: | 25 Avraham Granot St., Givat Ram, West Jerusalem, Israel |
| Phone: | 02-561-1066 |
| Bus: | 9, 24 |
| Hours: | Sun-Tue, Thurs: 9:30-5:30; Wed: 9:30-9:30, Fri & eves of Jewish holidays: 9:30-2; Sat & Jewish holidays: 11-3. |
| Cost: | NIS 28 ($6.20); discounts for students |
| Tours: | English-speaking tours available |
Sources
- 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
- Reviews of the Bible Lands Museum - TripAdvisor traveler reviews
