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.
Izložba ‘By the Rivers of Babylon’. Autor/Credit: Avi Noam. Ustupili: BLM PRESS.
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
1/4/15 – Gallery Talk with the Curator – By the Rivers of Babylon, Dr. Filip Vukosavovic, Chief Curator.
8/4/15 – Passover – No lecture
15/4/15 – Holocaust Memorial Day – No Lecture
22/4/15 – Memorial Day – No Lecture
29/4/15 – How Did Alexandrian Jews live Two Thousand Years Ago?, Prof. Maren R. Niehoff, Hebrew Univ.
Pessach Family Fun – Free admission for the whole family!
Sponsored by Bank Ha’poalim
Sunday – Thursday, April 5 – 9
A Day at Pharaoh’s Courtyard (Program in Hebrew)
Join Pharaoh’s staff for a special day at the royal court! We’ll meet the royal artist and writer, play ancient Egyptian games, and solve the mysterious secret of the Pyramids.
Experience a rare opportunity to attend a royal feast in the King’s Courtyard! Pharaoh, King of Egypt is holding a feast in his courtyard that will include music, hieroglyphics, ancient Egyptian games and fascinating tales – and you are invited. We will solve antique riddles and meet other guests that have come to the Museum all the way from ancient Egypt, like:
*the court artist whose job is to sculpt and decorate the coffins of the royal family
*the writer who specializes in hieroglyphics written on papyrus
*try to see if you can unravel the mysterious text At the feast you can play Egyptians games found in the ancient coffins and frescoes.
*You will also have the chance to discover the secret of the pyramids with the help of 19th century European explorer, and together find the hidden door.
*A creative workshop for spring infused with the spirit of Passover (photos included.)
Guided tours for adults – Main Exhibition and By the Rivers of Babylon:
Sunday – Wednesday: 10:30, 14:30 – English | 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 – Hebrew
Thursday: 10:30 – English | 11:00, 12:00 – Hebrew
Museum opening hours:
Sunday – Wednesday 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday 10:00 – 14:00
Family fun activities:
Sunday – Wednesday 11:00 – 16:00
Thursday 10:00 – 13:00
For more information: 02-5611066 | www.blmj.org
Gallery Talk
Friday, April 17, at 11:00
Gallery talk with the Curator – By the Rivers of Babylon, Dr. Filip Vukosavovic, Chief Curator. Hebrew
Singing Independence
Free entrance and activities for the whole family
Sponsored by the Culture, Sports and Leisure Administration, Jerusalem City Council
Thursday, April 23, 10:00 – 14:00
Sing your heart out on Independence Day!
Discover artifacts from the time of the Bible that inspired some of the greatest Hebrew songs. Ideal for all ages!
*Guided tours for the whole family – following the fascinating story of Jerusalem – to the Babylonian Exile and back to Jerusalem
at 10:15, 10:30, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 12:30, 12:45, 13:15
*Concert and sing-along with Sarah’le Sharon at 11:00. Place is limited.
*Visit the world-known exhibition By the Rivers of Babylon
This exhibition traces the epic saga of the Judeans in 604 BCE through the rebuilding of their lives by the rivers of Babylon in Al-Yahudu, literally, the City of Judah.10 NIS
*Program in Hebrew.
More information: www.blmj.org | 02-5611066
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
