Delve deeper into the Bible by learning about the lives of the people who populated the Ancient Near East at the award-winning Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem. Founded in 1992 by the late Dr. Elie Borowski and his wife Batya, the Bible Lands Museum’s extensive collection of ancient art and archaeology helps visitors gain a more intimate understanding of the Bible through discovering the daily practices of the people who lived during that period.

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem (BLMJ), located on Museum Row, is in the heart of the modern cultural center of Jerusalem.  The collection draws from the vast geographic area reaching from Afghanistan in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, from the Caucasian mountains in the north to Nubia (Sudan) in the south.

The collection dates from the dawn of civilization, focusing on the pre-historic era 6,000 years ago to the Early Christian Era, approximately 1000 CE. Displayed chronologically, the Main Exhibition sheds light on the daily lives and beliefs of the rich civilizations that have since vanished, including how they cooked, worshiped, buried their dead, fought their battles, adorned themselves with jewelry, among many other aspects.

BLMJ has earned international acclaim as a universal center for cultural and educational programming. It leads innovative tours for school children, presents weekly lectures, and offers a variety of courses for adults. The Museum is a vibrant cultural institution offering creative programs for families and a rich array of activities throughout the year.

21  Stefan Wise St., Museum Row

 Open 7 Days a week!

 P.O. Box 4670, Jerusalem 9104601
Tel: 972-2-5611066 | Fax: 972-2-5638228
Contact us: contact@blmj.org

 

Web: www.blmj.org

 Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday      9:30 – 17:30
Wednesday                                                  9:30 –  21:30
Friday, Saturday, Holiday Eves                 10:00 – 14:00
Jewish Holidays                                             Closed

 

*All programs subject to change.

 

Exhibitions:

New Exhibition – By the Rivers of Babylon

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem is proud to present By the Rivers of Babylon, the world premier exhibition of the earliest documents that illustrate the lives of the first exiles of from the pivotal chapter in Jewish history, the Babylonian Exile.
Experience the destruction of Jerusalem, the grueling journey to Babylonia, the daily lives of the Judean exiles in captivity and finally the return to Zion.
On display for the first time are original artifacts dating to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylonian Exile, including clay tablets from the Al-Yahudu archive (named after the city that the Judean exiles settled, in southern Iraq) which display fascinating evidence of the lives of the exiles. This archive is considered one of the most important archaeological finds relating to the history of the Jewish people. Complementing these artifacts are illustrations from the Medieval and Modern eras of the dramatic events which have become a symbol of the resilience of the Jewish people. Advanced multi-media enhance this exhibition which focuses on one of the most important milestones in the history of the Jewish people.

BLM - Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem – May 2015. Autor: Olla Vainer.

BLM – Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem – May 2015. Autor: Olla Vainer.


DIONYSUS:  Wine & Divine

A brief encounter with the god of wine, intoxication and ecstasy, and his frenzied entourage in this display of enchanting artifacts, many of which are being exhibited for the first time.

Permanent Exhibition

The Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem houses one of the world’s most important collections of ancient Near Eastern artifacts, illustrating the world of the Hittites, the Phoenicians, the civilizations of Greece and Rome and the importance of Canaan, Judea and Israel at the cross-roads of the ancient world.

Glories of Ancient Greece – Closing: June 2015

The oldest jewelry in the museum is found in this exhibition, part of a large collection of silver and gold items, which also includes a magnificent gold wreath from the Hellenistic period, necklaces, rare gold and crystal earrings and beautiful bracelets. Gold and silver were relatively rare in ancient Greece until Alexander the Great’s successful campaign against the Persians, when his conquest resulted in tremendous amount of gold and silver booty flowing into Greece, some of which ended up in the museum’s collection. The exhibit also features an extensive collection of Greek pottery from over 3,500 years ago, with vases portraying scenes from Greek mythology that represented the height of artistic ingenuity at the time.

Roman Fresco Room

From Pompeii to Jerusalem: The frescoes in this collection are believed to be from the villas of Boscotrecase, a suburb of Pompeii that was frozen in time with the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Sealed beneath the lava, they were preserved for centuries and still retain their vibrant colors and fine detailed painting. The beautiful frescoes, made in the Roman technique of wet plaster painting, portray magical panoramic views of nature, mythology, erotica and more. One of the prominent pieces from the collection is the “Erotic Scene of a Nude Nymph.” *On view by request only.

Daily Guided Tours:
Free with Museum admission

Sunday – Friday                                        English 10:30, Hebrew 11:00

Additional tour on Wednesdays           English 17:30, Hebrew 18:00

Saturday                                                    Hebrew 11:30

Reserve tours in additional languages and groups in advance: contact@blmj.org

Lectures:

Wednesday at 19:30 | Free with Museum admission | Hebrew

6/5/15 The Exile as Pictured in Jewish Art, Dr. Shulamit Laderman, bar Ilan Univ. and Schechter Inst., Hebrew

13/5/15 – Where did Lachish letters originate from, Mr. Zeev B. Begin, Hebrew

20/5/15 –  Jewish Identity in the Global Village – From Babylon to America, Dr. Hagai Misgav, Hebrew Univ., Hebrew

27/5/15 – The Age of Heroes, Professor Sir John Boardman, Beazley Archive, Classics Centre, Oxford, English

 

Lag B’Omer at the Museum – International Museum Day

Museums for a sustainable society – Thursday, May 7

Guided tours for the family – go on a fascinating journey through the Museum’s galleries in which you will learn about the use of natural resources in the ancient world. Combined with fun activities, the whole family will gain a deeper understanding of sustainability and its effect on the growth and development of the world’s major cultures.

Guided tours for adults – The new exhibition “By the Rivers of Babylon” follows one of the most significant periods in the history of the Jewish people – the Babylonian Exile. Experience the destruction of Jerusalem, the grueling journey to Babylonia, the daily lives of the Judean exiles in captivity and finally the return to Zion with this not-to-be-missed exhibition.*

Free admission to the Museum.

*Entrance to By the Rivers of Babylon and guided tour for adults with fee.

Program in Hebrew. More information: 02-5610066

 

Special Friday – Mother Tongue

Guided tours in the languages of the Jewish people, inspired by the new exhibition – By the Rivers of Babylon.
Friday, May 29, at 11:00

A-Groisse-Metzie – Guided tour in Yiddish
From Abraham to the Babylonian Exile – Guided tour in Ladino through the museum galleries and the new exhibition.
Guide: Daniel Ashkenazi

 

Weekend Family Fun

Saturdays | 10:00 – 14:00 | Free admission for children!

Self-guided activity, Ideal for Shabbat observant families (when tickets purchased in advance).

Lost at the Museum- Join the Princess and the Wizard on their spectacular journey in search of their lost heirlooms. Look for shiny jewelry and hunting tools that have vanished in the Museum and discover ancient spells and mysterious papyrus writings. But beware of the lurking demons that are trying to throw you off the trail!

*Tour booklets for children (ages 4-6)

*Mummy Kit – Secrets of Ancient Egypt

 

Museum Shop

Unique and original gifts by leading Israeli designers

Gifts for the holidays * Jewelry * Judaica * Games * Replicas * Catalogues and books.

Contact us: shop@blmj.org | www.blmj.org/catalog/ | www.facebook.com/BLMJ.Shop

 

Celebrate your next event with us!

Weddings, Conferences, Corporate Events and Receptions

Hold your next event at the Museum and enjoy a unique atmosphere and a once in a lifetime experience including exclusive tours of the Museum and excellent catering. Exclusive use of the Museum, auditorium, reception halls and the Biblical Garden can all be made available just for you.

Special Program for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs:

King for a Day – The young Bar/Bat Mitzvah guides family and guests in a special tour. Linking the Chain of Generations – An enchanting tour of the Museum ideal for children and adults.

After the Kotel – Enjoy a series of creative activities based on Bible stories, Jewish holidays and more.

For further information and reservations: events@blmj.org

 

Take Notice:

NEW PARKING ARRANGEMENTS – parking lot between the BLMJ and the Israel Museum is free for museum visitors ONLY. Simply present your museum entrance ticket when exiting the lot to park for free. Please remember to keep your entrance ticket!

Stopping by to pick up holiday gifts in out Gift Shop? Just let us know and we will be glad to provide you with a parking pass with your purchase.

Enjoy special discounts on museum entrance fees.  Bring your paid ticket receipt from the BLMJ to the Israel Museum or the Bloomfield Science Museum, to receive discounts on entrance within the same week.

Your BLMJ membership or tickets also grant you discounted entrance at the Israel Children’s Museum in Holon.

Izvor

BLM PRESS