Shrine of the Book, Jerusalem - Entry of a synagogue in Jerusalem.
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Shrine of the Book Jerusalem

4.7
·3k reviews·Jerusalem, Israel

Iconic modern building housing the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls, a cornerstone of biblical and historical study.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
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Shrine of the Book, Jerusalem - Entry of a synagogue in Jerusalem.

Shrine of the Book Jerusalem

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic modern building housing the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls, a cornerstone of biblical and historical study.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"A must-see for its historical treasures and striking architecture, the Shrine of the Book captivates visitors."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 No Photos of Scrolls

Photography is prohibited for the Dead Sea Scrolls due to their extreme fragility.

⏳ Allow Ample Time

The Shrine is part of the larger Israel Museum; dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Dead Sea Scrolls

The Dead Sea Scrolls

Main exhibition hall

Marvel at the world's oldest biblical manuscripts, including fragments of the Hebrew Bible.

Instagram
The Shrine's Architecture

The Shrine's Architecture

Exterior and interior

Admire the striking, modern design of the Shrine, symbolizing a 'lid' opening to reveal ancient treasures.

TikTok
Complementary Exhibits

Complementary Exhibits

Adjacent galleries

Explore artifacts and displays that provide context to the Dead Sea Scrolls and ancient Jewish life.

Instagram

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to the Shrine of the Book

The Shrine of the Book, part of the Israel Museum, houses the Dead Sea Scrolls. Plan your visit to coincide with museum hours and consider booking tickets online to save time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Photography restrictions are in place for the scrolls themselves due to their delicate nature.

Understanding the Shrine's Significance

This iconic building showcases some of the oldest biblical manuscripts known. Visitors can explore not only the Dead Sea Scrolls but also complementary exhibits that shed light on ancient Jewish history and culture. Allow ample time to appreciate the historical context and the architectural marvel of the Shrine.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Quieter before closing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

via dolorosa
@zeidaner
504.1K likes • 3.8M views

📸 No Photos of Scrolls

Photography is prohibited for the Dead Sea Scrolls due to their extreme fragility. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

The Shrine is part of the larger Israel Museum; dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore. Instagram

MUSLIM HAS KEYS TO A CHURCH? This is the story of how a Muslim Family has the keys to the Holy Church of Sepulchre in Jerusalem - which is Christianity’s holiest site. It is where they believe Isa (as) - Jesus, was buried. The church is made up of different denominations of orthodox Christianity, such as Armenian, Greek, Russian, Syrian and Ethiopian - whom don’t always get along and agree. This ...
@muslimhandsuk
91.5K likes • 2.2M views
The “Shrine of the Book” is the official display of the Dead Sea Scrolls, 2,000 years old manuscripts uncovered by chance in caves next to the Dead Sea. Although they are from Roman times, the clarity of the text is absolutely amazing. The copies of the Old Testament are especially striking as they are the oldest copies of the Hebrew bible, yet can still be read, and frankly - quite easily. . . ....
danny.the.digger
321 likes • 5.3K views

🎟️ Book Museum Tickets

Purchase Israel Museum tickets online in advance to streamline your entry. Reddit

🗺️ Combine with Museum

Explore other Israel Museum wings like archaeology or art after visiting the Shrine. Instagram

Welcome to the Shrine of the book, Israel Museum! . This is the home to the oldest biblical scrolls found, the famous Dead Sea scrolls found in Kumeran. The fragments of the scrolls are so delicate that it is changed every 3-6 months on display in the middle, despite the fact that all 7 are in the Israel Museum. . In addition, the downstairs book was written in the 10th century in Tiberias and t...
nettaasner
135 likes • 4.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 No Photos of Scrolls

Photography is prohibited for the Dead Sea Scrolls due to their extreme fragility. Instagram

⏳ Allow Ample Time

The Shrine is part of the larger Israel Museum; dedicate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore. Instagram

🎟️ Book Museum Tickets

Purchase Israel Museum tickets online in advance to streamline your entry. Reddit

🗺️ Combine with Museum

Explore other Israel Museum wings like archaeology or art after visiting the Shrine. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Shrine of the Book for housing the incredibly significant Dead Sea Scrolls and its striking modern architecture. While photography restrictions for the scrolls are understandable, some find the limited viewing time frustrating. The Shrine's integration within the larger Israel Museum offers a comprehensive historical experience.

"It is such an amazing place to visit and is full of information. I didn't like that we were seeing copies of the Dead Sea Scrolls and not the originals. Since tourism has been low, the real scrolls were sent to some other location to preserve."

DanielleLanae Merritt

"Wasn't able to see all that's on the property. Was w/a tour group. We were able to see the dead sea scrolls & codex. No pix are allowed for that section. This was a truly amazing sight. The miniature is so detailed. Take your time with this. Walk the grounds. Enjoy the Cafe. Well worth the money"

Im Giroir

"Israel museum was a highlight for me. The dead sea scrolls in front of you really made me feel the joy! The best museum by far in Jerusalem."

sarah roux

What People Like

Incredible Dead Sea Scrolls
Iconic architecture
Historical significance

What People Dislike

No scroll photography
Limited viewing time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Shrine of the Book is located within the Israel Museum. You can reach the museum via public bus routes from central Jerusalem, or by taxi. Many visitors opt for a taxi for convenience. Reddit

Yes, the Israel Museum offers ample parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. This is a convenient option if you're exploring other parts of Jerusalem. Reddit

The Shrine of the Book is within the Israel Museum complex, so if you are already at the museum, it's easily accessible by walking. It's not typically a walkable destination from the city center due to its location.

Several bus lines serve the Israel Museum, including lines 7, 9, 14a, 15, 24, 35, 35a, 51, 66, and 66a. Check local schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

The Israel Museum is generally accessible, with ramps and elevators available. It's advisable to check their official website for specific accessibility details before your visit.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Shrine of the Book is part of the Israel Museum. A general admission ticket to the Israel Museum grants you access to the Shrine and all other exhibitions. Reddit

Admission fees are for the Israel Museum as a whole. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official Israel Museum website for current ticket costs. Booking online may offer a slight discount. Reddit

The Shrine of the Book follows the Israel Museum's operating hours. These can change seasonally, so always consult the museum's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase tickets at the Israel Museum's entrance. However, buying tickets online in advance is recommended to avoid potential queues, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. Check the Israel Museum's website for details on eligibility and current discount offers. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The primary attraction is the display of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Shrine also features complementary exhibits on ancient Jewish history and the history of the book. Instagram+1

Photography is strictly prohibited for the Dead Sea Scrolls themselves due to their extreme fragility. Some areas outside the main scroll display may allow photography, but always look for signage. Instagram

To fully appreciate the scrolls and the context provided by the exhibits, plan for at least 1-2 hours. If you're visiting the entire Israel Museum, allocate a full day. Instagram

While the historical significance might be more appreciated by older children and adults, the museum offers general exhibits that can engage younger visitors. The architecture itself is also visually interesting. Reddit

The building's unique design, resembling a 'lid' opening to reveal ancient treasures, is symbolic of the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. It's an architectural icon in itself. TikTok

🎫 📚 History & Context

The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in caves near the ancient settlement of Qumran on the northwest shores of the Dead Sea. Instagram

They are the oldest known surviving manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible and contain important insights into Judaism and early Christianity. Their clarity after 2,000 years is remarkable. Instagram

The Shrine of the Book was designed by architects Armand Bartos and Fredrick J. Kiesler and was completed in 1965. It was established by the family of David Samuel Gottesman. Instagram

Besides the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Shrine also houses other significant ancient manuscripts and artifacts related to Jewish history and the development of written texts. Instagram

This likely refers to the Shrine of the Book itself, which is a key repository for ancient texts, including the Dead Sea Scrolls, located in Jerusalem. The term 'book of the shrine' emphasizes its role as a keeper of historical writings. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Shrine of the Book itself focuses on ancient manuscripts, the broader Israel Museum offers elements that can engage families. The Model of Jerusalem during the Time of Jesus is a visually impressive exhibit that can help children grasp historical scale and context. Instagram Consider focusing on the architectural uniqueness of the Shrine and the general museum exhibits that might capture younger imaginations, such as ancient artifacts or art. Plan for shorter visits to the Shrine itself and balance it with more interactive museum sections or outdoor spaces within the museum grounds. Reddit

📚 History Buffs & Scholars

For those deeply interested in history and ancient texts, the Shrine of the Book is an absolute must-visit. The opportunity to see the Dead Sea Scrolls firsthand is unparalleled. Beyond the scrolls, the Israel Museum offers extensive collections that provide deep dives into archaeology, ancient civilizations, and Jewish history. Instagram+1 Allocate a full day to explore the museum thoroughly, and consider researching specific exhibits or periods beforehand to maximize your learning experience. The complementary exhibits at the Shrine also offer valuable context for scholars. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

While photography of the Dead Sea Scrolls is strictly prohibited due to their fragility, the Shrine of the Book itself offers stunning architectural photography opportunities. The iconic white, curved roof is a striking subject, especially against the Jerusalem sky. TikTok The surrounding Israel Museum grounds also provide beautiful backdrops and interesting structures. Focus your photographic efforts on the exterior of the Shrine and other accessible areas of the museum complex. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dead Sea Scrolls: A Glimpse into Antiquity

The Shrine of the Book is most famous for housing the Dead Sea Scrolls, a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts discovered between 1947 and 1956. These scrolls, dating back to the 3rd century BCE to the 1st century CE, are of immense historical and religious significance. They include the oldest known surviving copies of books from the Hebrew Bible, as well as other religious texts and community rules. The clarity of the text, even after two millennia, is astonishing, allowing scholars to study ancient languages and beliefs. Instagram

The scrolls were found in eleven caves near the ancient settlement of Qumran. Their discovery revolutionized our understanding of Second Temple Judaism and the historical context of early Christianity. The Shrine of the Book was specifically designed to house and display these fragile artifacts, protecting them from further deterioration while making them accessible to the public. Instagram

Visitors can marvel at fragments of these ancient texts, gaining a tangible connection to the past. The exhibition provides context on the discovery, the people who wrote and preserved the scrolls, and their enduring legacy. It's a profound experience to stand before writings that have survived for over 2,000 years. Instagram+1

Architectural Marvel: The Shrine of the Book

The Shrine of the Book is not just a repository for ancient texts; it's an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Designed by Armand Bartos and Fredrick J. Kiesler, the building, completed in 1965, features a distinctive white, curved roof that resembles the lid of a jar, symbolizing the vessels in which the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. This iconic structure is instantly recognizable and has become a landmark of Jerusalem. TikTok

The design is intended to evoke a sense of reverence and discovery. The stark white exterior contrasts with the surrounding landscape, drawing the eye and hinting at the precious contents within. Inside, the presentation of the scrolls is carefully curated to enhance the visitor's experience, with subtle lighting and a focused display. TikTok

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the architecture plays a functional role in preserving the delicate scrolls. The building's design incorporates elements that help control the environment, protecting the manuscripts from light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. It's a harmonious blend of art, history, and preservation science. TikTok

Beyond the Scrolls: Exploring the Israel Museum

While the Shrine of the Book is a major draw, it's important to remember it's part of the larger Israel Museum. This expansive institution houses an incredible collection spanning archaeology, fine arts, and Jewish ethnography. Visitors can explore the Shrine of the Book and then delve into other fascinating wings, such as the Archaeology Wing, which showcases artifacts from prehistoric times to the Roman period, or the Fine Arts Wing, featuring European and Israeli art. Instagram

A particularly engaging exhibit for many is the Model of Jerusalem during the Time of Jesus. This detailed, to-scale model offers a vivid representation of the ancient city, helping visitors visualize the historical context of biblical narratives. It provides a unique perspective on the city's layout and significance during that era. Instagram

For those interested in the darker chapters of history, Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center, is also located nearby and is often visited in conjunction with the Israel Museum. Combining a visit to the Shrine of the Book with other sections of the Israel Museum, or even nearby historical sites, can create a comprehensive and enriching experience of Jerusalem's rich history and culture. Instagram

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