“Did you know that this very building once housed the Dead Sea Scrolls?” I ask. This is the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem. Its history is as rich and layered as the artifacts within.
The Rockefeller Museum isn’t just a museum it’s a story waiting to be unfolded. Established in 1938 it opened its doors thanks to a generous donation from John D Rockefeller Jr. Initially called the Palestine Archaeological Museum its name was changed after the Six-Day War in 1967.
The building itself is a masterpiece. Designed by Austen Harrison it beautifully blends Western and Eastern architectural styles. Turkish nut doors and Armenian ceramics add to its unique charm. Construction wasn’t without incident. The discovery of ancient tombs delayed the project. The museum’s opening was sadly overshadowed by the murder of British archaeologist James Leslie Starkey.
The museum’s collection is vast. It boasts items ranging from prehistoric times to the Ottoman period. This includes a 9000-year-old statue from Jericho one of the oldest human representations ever found. You can also marvel at gold jewelry from the Bronze Age and the impressive Beisan steles.
For a while the museum held the world’s most famous artifacts the Dead Sea Scrolls. They resided here from 1947 until 1967. After Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem the scrolls were moved to the Israel Museum in West Jerusalem. The ownership of these scrolls has been a subject of much debate.
The Rockefeller Museum has seen its share of conflict. During the 1967 Six-Day War it was the site of fierce battles between Israeli and Jordanian forces. The museum’s hexagonal tower served as a lookout point.
Today the Rockefeller Museum remains a hub for archaeological treasures. It’s jointly managed by the Israel Museum and the Israel Antiquities Authority. It stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the region’s rich history. The museum continues to host exhibitions showcasing its diverse collection. Its history reminds us of the complex past of Jerusalem a city where history and conflict are deeply intertwined. Leaving this site you’ll carry the weight of its history and its beauty.