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,
Sources: Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem