On exhibit for a limited time
Come See the “House of David”
Open: August 30 – November 3, 2025
Location: Grand Hall, Floor 1
Cost: Free
Step into history and encounter one of the most significant biblical archaeological discoveries of the last century: the Tel Dan Stele. This ancient basalt fragment bears a groundbreaking inscription—the earliest-known extrabiblical reference to the “House of David.”
Dating to the 9th century BC, the Tel Dan Stele contains a memorial inscription by an Aramean king boasting of his triumphs over the king of Israel and the king of the “House of David” (bytdwd), offering the first historical evidence outside the Bible that King David was not just a literary or theological figure, but a real ruler whose dynasty gave its name to the southern kingdom of Judah.
This rare display, created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the National Treasures collections, offers guests the opportunity to view a priceless artifact that has stirred scholarly debate and captivated the public imagination since its discovery. It provides a tangible connection to the biblical narrative— bridging the Bible, history, and archaeology in a single stone.
This extraordinary artifact is part of First Floor Free, a new initiative to make the museum’s Grand Hall free and open to the public—welcoming guests from all walks of life to explore the Bible’s story. Don’t miss your chance to stand before a stone that reshaped biblical archaeology—and continues to inspire faith, curiosity, and scholarship today.
See it for free before it leaves, and check out everything else that's part of First Floor Free.
The exhibition was created by the Israel Antiquities Authority
from the National Treasures collections.
