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.
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.
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.
Coming soon – Moshe Zabari Retrospective
Opening: September 08, 2015.
The BLMJ proudly presents this retrospective exhibition of world renowned contemporary sculptor and Judaica artist, Moshe Zabari, A master craftsman for more than 60 years. The exhibition will feature selected works by Zabari, emphasizing the influence of Jewish sources and ancient art on his art.
The exhibition will be featured highlight of the 2nd Jerusalem Biennale of Jewish and Contemporary Art 2015. for information on the Biennale visit: jerusalembiennale.org and the museum site.
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
August Family Fun at the Babylonian Village
For an educational and fun day out, take the kids to the BLMJ Babylonian Village Experience! Children will love learning through special theatrical tour about Babylonian life and will get to experience the costume, food, sounds and smells of life in Ancient Babylon. Promises to be a unique day out for all the family!
BLM – Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem – August 2015. Photo credit: PR. Ustupio: BLM PRESS.
Sunday – Thursday, August 12 – 30; 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 additional on Wednesdays 16:30
Ideal for ages 5 – 10, Activity lasts for two hours.
Child 35 NIS, 3 Children or member: 30 NIS per child, Adult 20 NIS.
Program in Hebrew
Advanced registration is required as space is limited. More information and registration:
02-5611066, www.blmj.org
Special Tour
Guided Tour in different Languages, inspired by the Exhibition – By the Rivers of Babylon – from Abraham to the Babylonian Exile.
Wednesday, August 12, at 12:00 – Guided tour in French.
Switch – Contemporary Art – Ancient Tradition
Wednesdays│12.8, 19.8, 26.8 │20:00
This August the BLMJ has collaborated with artists and performers from across Jerusalem to bring you an exciting evening program, inspired by the ‘By the Rivers of Babylon” exhibition. Through art and live performance, the evenings will explore Jewish culture from the Babylonian exile, throughout history, to the diversity of present day Israel.
We invite you to join us for:
# Special Audio tour by Idan Sacler offering an artistic and musical interpretation of the BLMJ permanent exhibition.
# ‘Through the Window’ – Dance performance by Maayan Libman-Sharon and Shirel Safra,
in the style of the cuneiform tablets displayed at the ‘By the Rivers of Babylon’ exhibition.
# ‘Ashtidk’ – Short documentary featuring Yifat Shir Moskowitz cooking Kibbeh and connecting with her heritage through conversation with her Iraqi grandmother.
# ‘Pazuzu, the king of demons’ – Live animation performance, by Leora Weiz.
# The Al-Halwatt Quartette performing the music of Moroccan and Kurdish Jewry on traditional instruments such as the Oud and Darbuka.
Advanced registration is recommended. More information and registration:
02-5611066, www.blmj.org
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
BLM – Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem – August 2015. Photo credit: PR. Ustupio: BLM PRESS.
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
Please 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
