"Dead Sea Scrolls" Coming To Denver

DENVER, March 5, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- "Dead Sea Scrolls," the exhibition that has captivated millions around the world, will open at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science on March 16. The presenting sponsor is the Sturm Family Foundation, with major support from Henry and Lorie Gordon, and GHP Investment Advisors.

The regional premiere of this exhibition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see authentic Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient manuscripts that include the oldest known biblical documents dating back over 2,000 years. Ten scrolls will be displayed when the exhibition opens. Due to strict preservation requirements, 10 different scrolls will arrive halfway through the run to replace the 10 initial scrolls. This will make it possible to see a total of 20 scrolls while the exhibition is in Denver. Each rotation includes a scroll that has never before been on public display.

In addition, more than 600 authentic artifacts from the ancient Middle East will immerse guests in historic traditions and beliefs that continue to impact world cultures today. The authentic objects include inscriptions and seals, weapons, stone carvings, terra cotta figurines, coins, shoes, textiles, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry and a three-ton stone from the Western Wall in Jerusalem, believed to have fallen in 70 CE. The exhibition is organized by the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA).

The Dead Sea Scrolls represent one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of all time. As the story goes, in 1947 young Bedouin goatherders wandered into a cave along the shore of the Dead Sea, near the site of the ancient settlement of Qumran, perhaps in search of a stray goat. Whatever the reason, they made a remarkable discovery: an assortment of clay jars containing scrolls wrapped in linen. Over the next nine years, archaeologists and Bedouins searched the surrounding caves. Around 900 remarkably preserved scrolls were recovered, leading to decades of extraordinary scrutiny, preservation, debate and awe, providing an incredible window to the past. 

Timed tickets for "Dead Sea Scrolls" will be required and advance reservations are strongly encouraged. For tickets and information, visit dmns.org/deadseascrolls or call 303-370-6000.

The IMAX 3D film "Jerusalem," now showing in Phipps IMAX Theater at the Museum, is the perfect complement to "Dead Sea Scrolls." IMAX tickets and schedule are available at dmns.org/imax.

For more information, contact Maura O'Neal, public relations manager, at [email protected] or 303.370.6407.

SOURCE Denver Museum of Nature & Science