Upcoming Exhibits

The oldest copies of the Bible are coming to the museum this fall in a new traveling exhibition created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the National Treasure, the department responsible for artifacts found in the land of Israel.

Considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history, the Dead Sea Scrolls were found accidentally by Bedouin shepherds in 1947. Rarely leaving their home in Israel, these fragments—some up to 2,200 years old—offer an unparalleled glimpse into the Second Temple period, the time when the Hebrew Bible (the Christian Old Testament) was being finalized and Christianity was emerging. This exhibition offers guests the opportunity to explore these ancient copies of Scripture and documents from the community at Qumran through three rotations of scrolls, including a fragment featuring the creation account in Genesis 1.

Hundreds of priceless artifacts will accompany the scrolls, including the Magdala Stone (an embossed table featuring reliefs of the temple from the hometown of Mary Magdalene) and the so-called “Jesus Boat” (a first-century fishing vessel preserved for two millennia in the Sea of Galilee). Together, they transport guests back to the land of Israel during this era to experience a time that continues to shape our history, faith, and culture.

More information about this new exhibition coming soon.