Rockefeller Museum, Archaeological museum in Bab az-Zahira, Jerusalem, Israel.
The Rockefeller Museum is an archaeological museum in Bab az-Zahira, Jerusalem, housing extensive collections of artifacts discovered during regional excavations. The pieces are displayed chronologically in galleries arranged around a central courtyard.
The museum was funded by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller Jr. through a major donation and opened to the public in 1938. This made it one of the first modern institutions in Jerusalem dedicated to systematically collecting and displaying archaeological discoveries.
The building blends Eastern and Western architectural elements, with Turkish wooden doors, Armenian ceramics, and Roman-inspired ceiling medallions on display. This mix shows how different cultures have interacted across the region over time.
The museum is easily accessible on foot and located near the Damascus Gate in the northern part of the Old City. The exhibitions can be viewed in a few hours at a comfortable pace.
The main entrance is crowned by ten stone bas-reliefs depicting different ancient civilizations, created by British sculptor Eric Gill. This elaborate decoration reflects the importance placed on the building and its mission.
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