The Bible Lands Museum exists today only because of
Dr. and Mrs. Elie Borowski and their generous donation of ancient artifacts.
Elie Borowski hand-picked each artifact in the museum's permanent exhibit.
The collection contains treasures that are native to lands mentioned
in the Bible.
The museum was first opened
in 1992, and was built so as to be viewed
chronologically. Ancient artifacts on display
date back to before 1550 B.C.E.
The museum's artifacts represent
many different periods in ancient Israel
such as the Hellenistic period and the emersion of Christianity.
The Assyrian, Babylonian,
and Egyptian empires are also depicted
within the museum's vast collection. The
museum also displays the traditions of other
peoples mentioned in the Bible such as
the Philistines, Arameans, Hittites,
Elamites, Phoenicians, and the Persians.
Daily life in the Biblical periods is also described. Artifacts originate
from various areas of ancient life. Transportation, religious worship,
trade, agriculture, and communication devices have all been amazingly
preserved so as to show the realities of ancient life in Israel and
its surrounding areas.
While the artifacts show the lifestyle of the ancient Canaanites and Israelis,
they also display an artistic beauty. Pottery, paintings, and weavings
show the skill and sensitivity of the many people who once called Israel
home.
The Bible Lands Museum offers lectures, summer camp,
birthday parties, and bar/bat mitzvah tours. The museum also houses
Saturday night concerts that, interestingly enough, show off the talents
of many new Israeli immigrants.
Visitors can take home a piece of biblical history
by purchasing replicas of ancient artifacts in the museum's store.
The Bible Lands Museum is located at 25 Granot Street, Museum Row,
Jerusalem.
Hours of admission: Sunday through Tuesday, Thursday: 9:30am-5:30pm;
Wednesday: 9:30am-9:30pm; Friday: 9:30am-2:30pm
There is an entrance fee.
Phone number: 972-2-5611066