Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times Exhibition to Come to The Franklin Institute in 2012

New Touring Exhibition Launches in NYC in October and is Co-Produced by The Franklin Institute

Exhibition Is Largest Collection of Holy Land Artifacts Ever Seen Outside of Israel

Features 10 Dead Sea Scrolls, Over 500 Biblical Era Artifacts and an Authentic Three-Ton Stone from Jerusalem's Western Wall

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Franklin Institute and Discovery Times Square have entered into a unique arrangement with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) to create Dead Sea Scrolls: Life and Faith in Biblical Times. Premiering October 28 at New York City's Discovery Times Square, this new exhibition features the most comprehensive collection of ancient artifacts from Israel ever organized -- including one of the largest collections of the priceless 2000-year-old Dead Sea Scrolls ever displayed in North America and an actual three-ton stone from the Western Wall in Jerusalem. This exhibition, which marks the world debut of four scrolls, is created by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) from the collections of the Israel National Treasures and produced by Discovery Times Square and The Franklin Institute.  Following its New York premiere, the exhibition will travel to Philadelphia's The Franklin Institute for a 5-month run beginning in May 2012.  

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The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered and unearthed in caves on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea from 1947-1956.  Considered among the world's greatest archeological discoveries, the Scrolls contain the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible.  The 20-scroll exhibition (10 scrolls displayed at a time, with 4 scrolls making their world debut) will include pieces from the biblical books of Genesis, Psalms, Exodus, Isaiah, and others.   The artifacts and Scrolls combine to provide a captivating and intriguing look at one of the most influential periods in history -- including the emergence of ancient Israel and the births of Judaism and Christianity in the Holy Land.  

Visitors will have the opportunity to view many newly discovered Holy Land objects alongside the Scrolls.  The exhibition will display hundreds of biblical era artifacts, exploring life in ancient Israel.  Of the more than 500 objects from the Biblical to Byzantine Period in Israel, many objects are from recent archaeological excavations in Jerusalem have never been publicly exhibited.

Objects on display will include remains of religious articles, weapons of war, stone carvings, textiles and beautiful mosaics along with everyday household items such as jewelry and ceramics.  In addition, the exhibition will feature a compelling scale recreation of a section of Jerusalem's Western (or Wailing) Wall -- complete with an authentic three-ton stone from the Wall in Israel.

This exhibition is created by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) from the collections of the Israel National Treasures and produced by Discovery Times Square and The Franklin Institute. The exhibition is curated by Dr. Risa Levitt Kohn (Professor at San Diego State University) and Debora Ben Ami (Iron Age collection curator at the IAA). Planning and design by Ralph Appelbaum Associates, New York, NY and consultation by noted Dead Sea Scrolls expert Dr. Lawrence Schiffman (Vice-Provost of Undergraduate Education, Yeshiva University).

Discovery Times Square (DTS) is New York City's first large-scale exhibition center presenting visitors with limited-run, educational and immersive exhibit experiences while exploring the world's defining cultures, art, history and events. More than a museum, DTS has featured a renowned line-up of exhibitions including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Leonardo Da Vinci's Workshop, King Tut, Pompeii The Exhibit, and Harry Potter: The Exhibition. DTS is located at 226 West 44th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenues).

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Franklin Institute is a renowned and innovative leader in the field of science and technology learning, as well as a dynamic center of activity. Pennsylvania's most visited museum, it is dedicated to creating a passion for learning about science by offering access to hands-on science education. Considered one of the great science centers in the nation and the world, The Franklin Institute is known for blockbuster exhibits, one-of-a-kind theatrical experiences, and cutting-edge community learning with national influence.  All are aimed at explaining science in ways that impact people's lives.  For more information, visit www.fi.edu.

SOURCE Franklin Institute