26 Jun 2018
History of Jerusalem revealed with Terra Sancta Museum's new archaeology wing
BY Megan Whitby
Jerusalem's Terra Sancta Museum will open the doors of its brand new archaeology wing to the public tomorrow (27 June), hosting a new exhibition showcasing more than 300 artefacts from the time of Herod the Great to the sixth century.
The museum, which tells the story of the Christian presence in the Holy Land, has launched the new wing, which debuts with The House of Herods: Life and Power in the Age of the New Testament and Monastic Movement.
This recent addition is the second of three archaeological renovations by the Terra Sancta Museum and is dedicated to the archaeological collections of the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum – a Jerusalem based Franciscan academic society.
The new archaeology area is situated adjacent to the multimedia wing and will be positioned amongst the restored ancient ruins of Medieval Jerusalem, ranging from Crusader-era workshops and cisterns to historic Mamluk dwellings.
Among the objects on display are a Corinthian-era capital from Herodium, Peristyle columns from Roman-era courtyards, and an extensive collection of 800 bronze coins from the Second Revolt – the Jewish rebellion against Roman rule – that date back to the second century AD. There is also be a smaller section that is home to sixth-century artefacts from the Byzantine era.
The multimedia wing offers a fifteen-minute interactive tour and light show, taking guests through the city's past, beginning with the life of Jesus.
The museum hopes that this new wing will help further its overall commitment “to foster intercultural and interreligious dialogue through a modern and dynamic museum and cultural centre”.
The project was designed by GTRF Tortelli Frassoni Architetti Associati, while the digital experiences were produced by Studi Base 2.
Alongside the renovation, Terra Sancta Museum has produced a new app for museum tours. It offers visitors detailed explanations of its collection in English, Hebrew, Italian and Arabic.
To mark the opening of the new wing, Francesco Patton, custos of the Holy Land, will lead a special ceremony and candlelight service. Patton was appointed chief custodian by the Pope in 2016.
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