Rockefeller Archaeological Museum

October 10th 2010

The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, located by Herod’s Gate contains an extraordinary number of archaeological finds that date back from ancient times to the 19th century. Financed by John D. Rockefeller, this museum mixes numerous elements in its design, including Byzantine and art deco, and is surrounded by a cloister garden and reflecting pool. Excavations for the museum began in the late 19th century, and has unearthed many prized collections including remnants of the 8th century al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. There are also artifacts from various historic periods, including Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine. There is a wing of the museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian antiquities and a room that houses some of the Dead Sea Scrolls.