National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, Archaeological research center and museum in Jerusalem, Israel
The National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel occupies a nine-floor building spanning approximately thirty-five thousand square meters, designed by architect Moshe Safdie with distinctive tensile canopy structures that reference traditional excavation site shading tents.
The campus was officially inaugurated in two thousand sixteen after years of planning that began in two thousand six, with construction delayed until two thousand eleven due to budgetary considerations and final completion achieved five years later.
The facility houses over one million archaeological objects including pottery fragments, ancient mosaics, and fifteen thousand Dead Sea Scroll fragments, serving as the central repository for discoveries from excavations throughout the region.
The complex provides conservation laboratories, research archives, storage vaults, and public exhibition spaces where visitors can observe ongoing restoration work and learn about archaeological preservation methods through guided tours and educational programs.
Cascading water pools collect rainwater from the stretched roof canopy structures, creating a functional water feature in the main courtyard while promoting sustainable water management practices integrated into the architectural design.
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