Bible Lands Museum

Bible Lands Museum Review

Most archaeological museums group artifacts according to their place of origin (Egyptian, Babylonian, and so on), but the curators here have abandoned this method in favor of a chronological display. The museum was the brainchild of the late Elie Borowski, whose personal collection of ancient artifacts forms its core. The display method allows a comparison of objects of neighboring cultures of the same period. Exhibits cover a period of more than 6,000 years—from the prehistoric Neolithic period to that of the Byzantine Empire—and sweep geographically from Afghanistan to Nubia (present-day Sudan). Rare clay vessels, fertility idols, cylinder seals, ivories, and sarcophagi fill the soaring, naturally lighted galleries. Look for the ancient Egyptian wooden coffin, in a stunning state of preservation.

The concept of the museum is intriguing, but some have criticized its methodology. A concept was imposed on a largely preexisting collection, rather than a collection being created item by selected item to illustrate a concept. Plan on an hour or 90 minutes to see the place; join the guided tour to get the most out of a visit. The museum runs a Saturday-night concert series, with cheese and wine served in the foyer. The NIS 75 ticket (sometimes cheaper) includes access to the exhibition areas, with the option of a free highlights tour, for one hour before and 30 minutes after the concert.