The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the

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The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the
The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein
National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel
Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority, 51 West 52nd Street, 32nd Floor, New York, NY 10019
Tel: 646-515-2108 Email: [email protected] www.archaeology.org.il
The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein
National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel
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The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus
for the Archaeology of Israel
The Israel Antiquities Authority, the pre-eminent organization in the fields of Israeli and Biblical archaeology
– charged with the mission to excavate, preserve, protect and exhibit the archaeological remains of the Land
of Israel – is now undertaking an historically unprecedented project to bring together and make accessible and
available to the public nearly two million archaeological objects, among them 15,000 Dead Sea Scrolls, in the
Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel currently under construction on
Museum Hill in Jerusalem. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to assemble the priceless archaeological
objects that collectively represent the cultural heritage of the Land of Israel, in the most incredible location in
Jerusalem, across from the Knesset and adjacent to the Israel Museum and the Bible Lands Museum.
The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel will enable an ingathering in the
Gallery of Archaeology Building of all of the precious objects in the National Treasures, the various conservation
and restoration laboratories, as well as the largest and most complete collection of Dead Sea Scrolls. In addition,
the Campus will house the Center for Excavations, Conservation, Research and Publications of the Archaeology
of the Land of Israel. The Campus will afford the public a rare opportunity to view the objects and the fascinating
archaeological work.
The 350,000 sq. ft. Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, designed
by internationally acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie, will be an innovative research, education and exhibition
complex that is bound to become a landmark and a model for the worldwide archaeological community and a
must-see stop for visitors to Israel, school groups and the Israeli public.
The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel will be the finest center for the
Archaeology of Israel and the National Treasures. The Campus will be home to the largest collection in the world
of archaeological objects from the Land of Israel, representing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the country
and illuminating the history of the people that have inhabited the land over the past 5,000 years. The Campus
will be used to educate the public about the remarkable archaeological heritage of the Land of Israel by drawing
archaeologists, students, researchers, tourists and the general public to visit and enjoy the treasures, exhibits,
conservation laboratories, rooftop gardens, the library and the national archives.
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Main Elements
National Gallery of Archaeology
The 120,000 sq. ft. Gallery of Archaeology, occupying the eastern building of the Campus, will exhibit, conserve,
collect and encourage the understanding of the archaeology of the Land of Israel, and will house the National
Treasures and the entire collection of Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as viewable conservation and restoration centers,
a 250 seat theatre, exhibition galleries and a rooftop exhibition garden.
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Shelby White and Leon Levy Center
for National Treasures
The Center for National Treasures, occupying several
floors in the National Campus, will allow the public the
rare opportunity to visit the archaeological objects in the
viewable housing facilities as well as observe the fascinating
work in the conservation and restoration laboratories. This
remarkable feature is an important and dramatic example
of the IAA’s mission to provide increasingly enhanced
accessibility to its vast collections.
With some two million objects in the National Treasures,
and nearly 15,000 excavated objects added each year to
the collection, the National Treasures represent the largest
collection of objects from the Land of Israel in the world.
The objects in the National Treasures of the Israel Antiquities
Authority are unique since they were all discovered in
archaeological excavations in Israel. They were recorded in
their archaeological context, and therefore in most instances
can be dated, as well as offer priceless information about the
people who used them. Among the objects in the National
Treasures are: Ancient Glass; Coins; Pottery, Stone and
Ceramic; Metal; Textiles, Ivory, Wood, Basketry; Marine
Archaeology; Ossuaries; Jewelry; Architectural fragments;
Dead Sea Scrolls and more.
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Saul A. Fox Coin Center
The Coin Center and Collection comprises more than 120,000 coins, spanning a period of some 2,300 years, from
the invention of coinage in the 7th century BCE to the 17th century CE. The majority of coins are single finds from
large and small excavations. In addition, the collection includes more than 150 hoards of gold, silver and bronze
coins, beginning in the Persian period through to the Ottoman period. The collection’s exceptional importance
lies in the fact that the provenance of almost all the coins has been ascertained. Consequently it constitutes one
of the largest scientific numismatic data-bases of its kind in the world, ideally suited for in-depth study of cointypes, distribution patterns, and intra/inter-site circulation. The nucleus of the collection is comprised of a group
of 10,000 coins acquired by numismatists from purchases and excavations between 1925 and 1948. One of the
unique and fascinating features of the Coin Center will be the rare opportunity for the public to visit objects in
the visible housing, as well as to observe the work performed in the conservation and restoration laboratories by
our coin conservators.
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Saul A. Fox Center for Ancient Glass
The Ancient Glass Housing Center is designed to
house all Ancient Glass finds that were excavated
and will be excavated in the future, after the
completion of their laboratory treatment and
scientific research. The current collection of
Ancient Glass contains more than 9,000 complete
objects and thousands of indicative fragments.
The Housing Center is designed to be an active,
growing facility, able to hold 20,000 glass vessels
in optimal environmental conditions, providing
long shelf life for the objects, as well as easy
access for students, researchers and archaeologists,
as well as the general public, to view, study and
research the collection. The objects are arranged
chronologically, from the Late Bronze period to the Muslim periods, as well as regionally - North, Center, South
and Jerusalem. The Ancient Glass Conservation Laboratories are responsible for treating all glass finds from Israel
Antiquities Authority excavations. Finds include bowls, glasses, wine glasses, bottles of different shapes, jars,
beakers, cosmetics vessels, lamps, beads, bracelets, necklaces, amulets, pendants and more. Carefully recorded
and photographed on site, the excavated vessels undergo preliminary sorting in order to determine the importance
of each fragment or vessel and the need for further treatment. Glass finds are then sent to the laboratories still
covered with layers of sand, mud and patina. They will be cleaned and restored, and later drawn, photographed
and catalogued. No treatment of glass objects is given outside the laboratories, mainly due to the fragility of
the objects, and to the importance of the layers of patina which requires special study by experts prior to their
cleaning. One of the unique and fascinating features of the National Center for Ancient Glass will be the rare
opportunity for the public to visit objects in the visible housing, as well as to observe the archaeological work
performed in the conservation and restoration laboratories.
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Nash Family Center for Ancient Textiles and Organic Material
The Ancient Textiles Study Collection will include a wealth of textiles, basketry, cordage and leather, fruits and
seeds artifacts that were preserved by the arid climate conditions and discovered in excavations in sites located
mainly in the Negev, Arava and Judean Desert. These precious and delicate artifacts represent a remarkable variety
of materials, production techniques, and geographic origin of raw materials. They reflect social, population and
economic changes over thousands of years, changing fashions, as well as differences among various sites during
the same period and during different periods. Thousands of artifacts, dating from 7000 BCE until 1500 CE, are
treated at the Israel Antiquities Authority’s laboratories and preserved in a special humidity and temperature
environment. The oldest are from the Neolithic period of Nahal Hemar, carbon dating some 12,000 years ago.
Textiles from the Chalcolithic period, 4th millennium BCE, were discovered in the Judean Desert in sites such
as the Cave of the Treasure and the Cave of the Warrior (the exquisite 23 foot linen wrapping sheet that was
discovered in the cave was exhibited in the American Museum of Natural History in 1998).
The largest and most important collection of textiles contains thousands of Roman period pieces discovered in
Qumran, Masada and the Cave of Letters in the Judean Desert. Included are wool and linen garments of Jewish
men, women and children – colored tunics decorated with bands descending from the neck opening, mantles
and head coverings. Even a tzitzit (?) was preserved in the Cave of Letters. Textile containers including scroll
wrappers, jar covers, sacks, purses and shrouds were also found at these sites, as well as sandals, baskets of
different shapes and sizes and leather Tefillin. Wood spindle whorls and bundles of threads indicate that some of
the spinning and weaving were done in-situ. Silk and cotton were introduced to the region during the Byzantine
period, and the collections include hundreds of silk and cotton textiles that were discovered mainly along the
Spice Route that connected Nabatean Petra and Gaza.
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Marysia and Matthew Gerson Center for Mosaics
The Center for Mosaics will occupy nearly 15,000 sq. ft. of both open and closed areas. Five full time experienced
mosaic conservators are employed by the Israel Antiquities Authority and are responsible for carrying out
the conservation work of mosaics both in house and in the field. The viewable housing mosaic center houses
800 - 1,000 mosaics and mosaic fragments at any given moment, that will be accessible and available to students,
researchers, archaeologists and the general public. The treatment of mosaics is organized into several phases. The
first phase creates noise and dust due to the slicing and the reduction of the ancient concrete and cement support
in order to release the tesserae from the mortar. The following phase is the fabrication and installation of a new
support for the mosaic, requiring clean workspaces and large, perfectly leveled and flat platforms. The final phase
involves the fine cleaning of the mosaic surface, restoration of missing pieces, the consolidation of materials and
the treatment and filling of the gaps.
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Center for Ancient Pottery
The current collection of Ancient Pottery and Ceramics contains 55,897 complete objects, and tens of thousands
of indicative fragments. The Pottery Viewable Housing Center is designed to house all pottery finds that are
excavated after the completion of their laboratory treatment and scientific research. The Ancient Pottery Center
will be located on two floors, and is designed to be an active, growing facility, able to hold tens of thousands
of pottery vessels in optimal environmental conditions, providing long shelf life for the objects, as well as easy
guided access for students, researchers and archaeologists and the general public, to view, study and research the
collection. The objects will be arranged chronologically, from the Pottery Neolithic period to the Muslim periods,
as well as regionally – North, Center, South and Jerusalem.
Koschitzky Family Ancient Pottery Conservation Laboratories
The viewable Ancient Pottery Conservation Laboratories will occupy more than 2,500 sq. ft. Four conservation
experts are responsible for treating all pottery finds from Israel Antiquities Authority excavations and from
excavations in Israel conducted by local and foreign universities. Finds include jars, cup-bowls, kraters, bottles,
ossuaries, churns, figurines, lamps, handles with seal impressions, ostracons, jugs, amphoras, sigillatas, pithoi,
plates and more, dating from Pottery Neolithic
(5,500 BCE) to the Late Islamic Period (16th century
CE). Pottery fragments are among the most common
finds in archaeological excavations and provide
important information on dating, trade, technological
achievements, population movements, as well as
on wars and conquests. Carefully recorded, drawn
and photographed on site, the excavated vessels and
fragments undergo preliminary sorting in the field in
order to determine the importance of each fragment
or vessel and the need for further treatment. Pottery
finds are then sent to the laboratories still covered
with layers of sand, mud and dirt. There they will be
cleaned and restored, and later drawn, photographed
and catalogued.
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Brandt-Lewis Family Center for Ancient Jewelry and Artifacts
The Ancient Jewelry, Seals and Artifacts Viewable Housing and Study Display Gallery which make up the Center
for Ancient Jewelry, Seals and Artifacts is designed to house and showcase all finds that were excavated and
will be excavated in the future. The current collections of Ancient Jewelry, Seals and Artifacts contain more
than 15,000 complete objects and thousands of indicative fragments. The collections include Jewelry objects in
gold, silver, shell, ivory, glass, carnelian, and rock crystal; Ritual and Religious objects in clay, stone, faience
and alabaster, as well as seals, bullae, scarabs, gems, and more. The future Center is designed to be an active
and growing facility, able to hold more than 25,000 objects in optimal environmental conditions, providing
long shelf life for the objects, as well as easy access for students, researchers, archaeologists and the general
public to view, study and research the collections. The Ancient Jewelry and Artifacts collections of the Israel
Antiquities Authority are the only ones of their kind in the world. Our experienced curators are in charge of all
issues relating to ancient jewelry and seals finds in Israel, including research of production technology. The staff
provides expertise to archaeologists from Israel and from around the world, studies and publishes the finds, and
advises on all issues relating to Jewelry, Seals and Artifacts in the collections of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
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Ira L. and Ingeborg Rennert World Center for the
Dead Sea Scrolls
The Center for the Dead Sea Scrolls and its staff of curators and conservation experts will be the only venue in
the world for the safe housing, education, conservation and preservation, research and presentation to the public
of the largest collection in the world of Dead Sea Scrolls and the collection of the archaeological objects from
Qumran that have been housed in numerous facilities throughout the country, unavailable to the general public.
When completed, the Scrolls, the most important treasure belonging to the Jewish people, representing the oldest
extant written record of the Old Testament in its original languages, will finally be accessible to the public.
Bernard Osher Dead Sea Scrolls Study Galleries
The 6,000 sq. ft. Study and Illumination Galleries will be the venue for presentations relating to the discovery,
conservation and preservation, research and publication of the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as to presentations of new
findings, new theories and technologies associated with Scroll conservation, and presentation of archaeological
objects from the Qumran site excavations that have never been shown in Israel.
Leon and Sandra Levine Dead Sea Scrolls Education Department
The staff of the Center for the Dead Sea Scrolls will be responsible for the development and presentation of future
exhibitions, as well as for the development and execution of educational programs, classes, and material relating
to the Dead Sea Scrolls. A special Education Space will be created that will serve as the main facility for all the
educational activities relating to the Dead Sea Scrolls.
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David Berg Dead Sea Scrolls Library
The Library for the Dead Sea Scrolls will be the leading library in the world about the Dead Sea Scrolls and the
site of Qumran. It will be home to and provide easy access to all publications relating to the Dead Sea Scrolls and
Qumran, as well as to all archival materials relating to issues such as the excavations of Qumran, exhibitions of
the Dead Sea Scrolls and the conservation of the Scrolls. The Library for the Dead Sea Scrolls will be located in
the southern wing of the first floor of the National Gallery of Archaeology Building, providing wonderful views
of the Hebrew University Campus and Mount Herzl. The design plan for the Library for the Dead Sea Scrolls
calls for a combination of open access and closed book compactors, reader spaces, seating areas and a number of
study cubicles.
Dead Sea Scrolls Conservation Laboratories
The 1,500 sq. ft. viewable Laboratories for the Conservation of the
Dead Sea Scrolls will be the only ones in the world to provide safe,
environmentally controlled housing, and conservation and preservation
treatment for more than 15,000 Dead Sea Scrolls and Dead Sea Scrolls
fragments, the largest and most comprehensive collection in the world
of the 2,000 year-old fragile documents. The peerless, state-of-the-art
Laboratories for the Conservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls will provide
conservation and long term preservation to Israel’s entire National
Collection of Dead Sea Scrolls. In addition, the Laboratories for
Conservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls will offer a rich, informative
visitor experience to access, view and understand the process of
conservation and preservation of the Dead Sea Scrolls.
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Margot and Tom Pritzker Hall of Archaeology
The Hall of Archaeology will provide an opportunity for
hundreds of thousands of visitors a year to see the most
exciting recent archaeological discoveries and learn about
the archaeological process in a single location. The Hall
of Archaeology will be located on the ground level of
the Gallery of Archaeology Building with access to the
main archaeological courtyard, with direct views of the
conservation and preservation laboratories, providing a
fantastic opportunity to share with the public the most
extraordinary recent archaeological discoveries made in
the country. The focus of the presentations will be on the
fascinating process of the archaeological work. Issues relating
to excavation, research, conservation, restoration and preservation, and the various stages before, during and after
the conservation of an object, a structure or an entire site will be illuminated, allowing the Israel Antiquities
Authority to educate the public about the importance and urgency of the archaeological work conducted in Israel.
William Davidson Auditorium
The 250 seat state-of-the-art Universe of Archaeology Theatre, situated on the ground level of the Gallery of
Archaeology, with direct access from the main courtyard and the Pritzker Hall of Archaeology, will treat audiences
of all ages and backgrounds to an engaging journey of the archaeology of the Land of Israel, providing an
archaeological experience introduction prior to a visit to the collections, the laboratories, illumination and study
galleries, courtyards and the rest of the National Campus. The Theatre will become an ideal space for specially
produced sophisticated, scientifically accurate educational programs about the archaeology of the Land of Israel.
The Israel Antiquities Authority is fortunate to be able to merge the archaeological resources and knowledge
with the most advanced technology available, to create a stimulating venue as part of the National Campus for
the Archaeology of Israel. The Theatre will also be used for public lectures, conferences and seminars, and study
groups relating to the archaeology of the Land of Israel.
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Center for Excavations, Conservation, Research and Publications of the
Archaeology of the Land of Israel
The Center for the Excavations, Conservation, Research and Publications of the Archaeology of the Land of Israel
will occupy the entire western building of the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, consisting of more
than 180,000 sq. ft. and serving as the center for all of the archaeological work of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
The center will be populated by several hundred people – archaeologists, researchers, laboratory specialists,
conservators and restorers, architects, librarians, educators, and visitors, and will encompass laboratories, open
courtyards, a 16,000 sq. ft. roof-top exhibition garden, common areas, the headquarters of the Israel Antiquities
Authority, a café, conference rooms, research facilities and archaeological housing centers.
Brigitta and Emmauel Davidson Rooftop Archaeological Garden
This 12,000 sq. ft. rooftop archaeological garden affording magnificent views of the southern hills of Jerusalem,
the Hebrew University, and the Botanical Garden will feature an inviting garden setting, integrating unique
archaeological large scale finds such as mosaics, columns, capitals and friezes, as well as original and exceptional
reconstructions of archaeological structures from various periods and places throughout Israel.
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National Library for the Archaeology of Israel
The National Library for Archaeology is the finest, unparalleled and most extensive archaeological research library
in the region. The original library was established in 1926 by the British Mandatory Government Department of
Antiquities, and it now comprises more than 160,000 volumes, as well as over 1,000 periodicals on Israeli and
Near Eastern Archaeology, Egyptian, Anatolian and Classical antiquities, and related subjects such as ancient art,
numismatics, ancient history, historical sources, travels and epigraphy. The National Library for Archaeology
includes more than 500 volumes of rare and old printed books. The itineraries written by Western European
pilgrims that were published during the Sixteenth and Seventeenth centuries are distinguished components of
the Library’s rare books collection. The Library, currently housed in various locations in Jerusalem is the most
important resource center for anyone interested in the archaeology of the Land of Israel and the Ancient Near
East. The Library for Archaeology will occupy nearly 11,000 sq. ft. on two floors in the National Campus.
Estanne and Martin Fawer Library of Archaeology Reading Hall
The design plan for the National Library for the Archaeology of Israel calls for a combination of open access and
closed book compactors, 64 reader spaces in the reading hall, seating areas on the first and second floors, and a
number of study cubicles. In its new, accessible home and light filled space, the Reading Hall and the National
Library for the Archaeology of Israel will be used extensively by students from all the universities in Israel, Israeli
and visiting foreign archaeologists and researchers working in the country, school children and the general public.
Amy and Bob Book Entrance Plaza
The public plaza, located in the center of Museum Hill, will serve as the main public space for hundreds of
thousands of visitors annually. The paved plaza will be open to the public and will provide seating for casual
meetings, as well as serve as the gathering area for visitors to the Campus and the adjacent museums. A viewing
platform will overlook the dramatic canopy, the Rooftop Archaeological Gardens and the sweeping surrounding
landscape. The architectural plan calls for the planting of olive trees along the borders of the plaza, a low stone
fence and railing along its western border, as well as lighting at night.
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Dorothy and Byron Gerson Four Sisters
Archaeological Courtyard
The courtyard is located directly under the large canopy that is reminiscent
of the tent-like canopies used to shade archaeological excavations. The roof
canopy, providing shade to the courtyard, is tied down at its center to a pool
in the courtyard by a circular ring forming a hole in the canopy. When it rains,
a waterfall will drain into the pool below. The Four Sisters Archaeological
Courtyard will be the focal point of the internal activity of the Campus. It
is visible at all times from the surrounding roof-tops, galleries, the library
and the conservation laboratories, and is easily accessible from the main
building.
Entrance Atrium
The Entrance Atrium will be the main gateway to the National Campus for
the Archaeology of Israel for hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. It will serve as the venue for all detailed
information about educational programs and scheduled events, exhibitions, conservation and restoration work
taking place in the Campus, as well as about all matters relating to archaeology in Israel and the work of the
Israel Antiquities Authority. The Entrance Atrium will be accessed either by way of a spiral grand staircase or an
elevator from street level, and will provide direct access to the roof – top archaeological garden. It will include
information and orientation areas with admissions desk, areas for exhibition of archaeological objects, a spiraling
grand staircase leading to the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition gallery and the National Archaeological Library, a
balcony overlooking the library’s main reading hall, seating areas for visitors, and will be surrounded by glass
walls affording wonderful views of the Hebrew University and Mount Herzl.
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Design Concept
The design concept of the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel is premised on making the building a
metaphor for archaeological excavations. All indoor space is located below street level so that the view across the
valley is unencumbered, even as one enters the building. The inward-facing surfaces of the building are clad with
glass curtain walls and silver metal panels, while the outward-facing walls on the perimeter have additional stone
wall screens which provide for shading. The building palette is a counterpoint of earthly, hand-dressed stone set
against glass and silver metal walls – all under the floating, dark canopy. Overlooking the Hebrew University
Campus and adjacent to the Bible Lands Museum and the Israel Museum, the National Campus is bound to
become a Jerusalem landmark and a must-see stop for hundreds of thousands of visitors including school groups,
tourists, archaeologists and researchers, and the general public.
Moshe Safdie – Architect
Israel-born Moshe Safdie is a world-renowned architect whose firm is engaged in activities ranging from the
design of public institutions - including museums, performing arts centers, and university campuses - to the
design of airports, housing, mixed-use complexes, and new communities. With offices in Jerusalem, Boston,
and Toronto, Moshe Safdie and Associates has worked on projects such as the design of Habitat ‘67 in Montreal,
and the master planning of entire new cities around the world. Among the firm’s commissions are: the Peabody
Essex Museum in Salem, MA; the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, CA; the Telfair Museum of Art in
Savannah, GA; the Metropolitan Kansas City Performing Arts Center; the Khalsa/National Museum of the Sikhs
in the Punjab, India; the headquarters for the United States Institute of Peace, Washington, D.C.; the Yitzhak
Rabin Center for Israel Studies in Tel Aviv; the new Ben Gurion Airport; and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum
Complex in Jerusalem. The Salt Lake City Public Library opened to much acclaim in Salt Lake City, Utah, in
February 2003, and the Crystal Bridges Museum for American Art opened in Bentonville, Arkansas in 2011.
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Donors to the National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel
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Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein
National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel
Margot and Tom Pritzker
Hall of Archaeology
Ingeborg and Ira L. Rennert
World Center for the Dead Sea Scrolls
Marysia and Matthew Gerson
National Center for Mosaics
Shelby White and Leon Levy
Center for State Treasures
Saul A. Fox
Center for Ancient Glass
William Davidson
Theatre
Saul A. Fox
Ancient Coin Center and Collection
Yad Hanadiv
Conservation Centers
Bernard Osher
Dead Sea Scrolls Galleries
Emmanuel and Brigitta Davidson
Rooftop Archaeological Garden
Estanne and Martin Fawer
Library Reading Hall
Amy and Bob Book
Entrance Plaza
David Berg Foundation
Dead Sea Scrolls Library
Nash Family Foundation
Center for Ancient Textiles
Anne Newman
Education Suite
Brandt-Lewis Family
Center for Ancient Jewelry and Artifacts
Rivka Saker and Uzi Zucker
Canopy
Koschitzky Family
Ancient Pottery Conservation Laboratories
Sir Timothy and Lady Susie Sainsbury
Dorothy and Byron Gerson
Four Sisters Courtyard
Betty and Cyril Stein
Claire and Gordon Prussian
Leon and Sandra Levine
Dead Sea Scrolls Education Center
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The Israel Antiquities Authority
The Israel Antiquities Authority is the pre-eminent organization in the field of Israeli and Biblical archaeology.
It is responsible for all matters of archaeology in Israel including land and marine excavations, development and
protection of archaeological sites, archaeological research, education, publication, conservation and restoration
of objects and sites, and presentation of archaeological exhibitions in Israel and abroad. The Authority is the
custodian of nearly two million archaeological objects – among them the Dead Sea Scrolls – and more than
30,000 archaeological sites throughout Israel.
The Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority
The Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority is a 501 (c)(3) organization established in 1992 to provide
financial support to the Israel Antiquities Authority for a diverse range of archaeological and educational
projects throughout Israel, requiring both public and private funding. Funds are provided for excavations and
fieldwork, development of archaeological parks and gardens, publications, object conservation and restoration
and conservation of antiquity sites. The Friends support the promotion of archaeological research and education,
initiate the development and presentation of exhibitions of findings from Israeli archaeological sites to the U.S.,
and sponsor activities designed to share the antiquities, treasures and heritage of the Holy Land with as large a
public as possible.
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Design: Ira Perova
Printing: Art Plus Ltd., Jerusalem