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:
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.
Al-Yahudu tablets that are on display at the “By the Rivers of Babylon” exhibition. Credit for the photo 4677- Avi Noam.
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. 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
Exhibition – Moshe Zabari Retrospective
September – December 2015
The BLMJ is delighted to present a 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 from his extensive range of sculptures and ceremonial objects, emphasizing the influence of ancient sources on Zabari’s design.
The exhibition will be a featured highlight of the 2nd Jerusalem Biennale of Contemporary Jewish Art 2015. Discounts for the Biennale visitors!
For information on the Biennale visit: jerusalembiennale.org and the museum site: www.blmj.org
Lectures
Wednesday at 19:30 | Free with Museum admission*
4/11/15 – Families and Family Trees in Al-Yahudu, Dr. Filip Vukosavović, BLMJ Curator, Hebrew
11/11/15 – “The Cities of the Negev are Shut Up and there is None to Open Them”: Judah’s Negev at the End of the First Temple Period, Dr. Yifat Thareani
Nelson Glueck School of Biblical Archaeology, Hebrew
18/11/15 – “Meishan is Dead”: On the Historical Context of the Bavli’s Perception of the Jews of Southern Babylonia, Dr. Yakir Paz, Hebrew Univ., Hebrew
25/11/15 – Fortresses, Copper Mines, and Ancient Roads: New Discoveries from the Land of Edom, Dr. Erez Ben-Yosef, Tel Aviv Univ., Hebrew
Special Friday
Encounter in the new exhibition: Moshe Zabari – Retrospective
at 12:00 | Free with Museum admission
20/11/15 – A Gallery talk with the Curator Nitza Behroozi Baroz
Course: Assyria, Babylon and Israel
Political, Cultural and Ideological Contacts
Opens: November 11, for 10 sessions, Wednesdays, 16:30 – 19:00
A biblical scholar and an Assyriologist come together for a one-of-a-kind course that examines the fateful encounter between the kingdoms of Israel and Judah and the Assyrian and Babylonian empires.
Two leading scholars from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Dr. Ronnie Goldstein, Department of Bible, and Mr. Elnatan Weissert, Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations at the School for Overseas Students, will explore the links between inscriptions, Assyrian and Babylonian history and prophets as well as biblical literature during that period.
Prices: 960 NIS, teachers and pensioners: 890 NIS, BLMJ Members: 790 NIS
For further information and registration: ariella@blmj.org, 02-5611066 ext. 0
All Museum programs are subject to change.
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
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.
