Special Exhibit: Dead Sea Scrolls
NOVEMBER 22, 2024 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2025*
A New Traveling Exhibition from the Israel Antiquities Authority
***Please allow ample time to see this exhibit. During busier times, holidays and weekends, lines can be long to see the scrolls. We must close this exhibit promptly at 5:00 pm for preservation reasons, so please plan your visit.***
Never before toured in California and not seen in the U.S. since 2013, the Ten Commandments Scroll will be on exclusive display at the Reagan Library, the only stop on this tour to feature them. The Scroll, discovered in 1952 in Qumran Cave 4, contains Deuteronomy 8:5–10 and Deuteronomy 5:1–6:1. According to biblical narratives in Exodus and Deuteronomy, God revealed the Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, inscribing them on stone tablets as guiding principles for the community.
A Hidden Treasure Unveiled
In 1947, a Bedouin shepherd stumbled upon a remarkable discovery in the Judaean Desert – the first of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Over the next decade, this chance finding would lead to the unearthing of thousands of manuscript fragments from 11 caves near the ancient site of Qumran, dating back two millennia.
These fragile parchments, preserved by the arid climate and darkness of the caves, represent an unparalleled treasure trove of ancient wisdom. They include the oldest known copies of the Hebrew Bible (Christian Old Testament) and an extraordinary library of previously unknown religious writings, offering unprecedented insights into the spiritual and cultural landscape of the Second Temple period (516 BCE – 70 CE).
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
For the first time, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library presents this world-class exhibition, featuring 8 authentic Dead Sea Scrolls and over 200 artifacts from the Second Temple period. As the premiere and only West Coast venue, we invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey through history.
Highlights of This State-of-the-Art Exhibition Include:
The Magdala Stone, which dates to the Second Temple Period, features intricate carvings of the Temple. These carvings provide insights into the role of synagogues as sacred spaces prior to the Temple's destruction and showcase the earliest known synagogue images of the Temple Menorah.
The Sea of Galilee Boat, often referred to as the "Jesus Boat," a 1st-century CE fishing boat discovered in 1986 along the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee. Unearthed during a severe drought, the reconstruction measures 27 feet in length and 7.5 feet in width and includes wood from the original vessel.
The Psalm Scroll, the most substantial and well-preserved manuscript of Psalms of the thirty-six discovered in the Qumran caves. The Psalm Scroll is a rare find, as it contains several Psalms not found in the Hebrew Bible. These include two on display, focusing on the greatness of King David. The first focuses on his wisdom, attributing to him the writing of Psalms. The second, told in first person, describes the manner in which David was chosen and anointed as the monarch of Israel.
Ossuaries, small stone receptacles used for secondary burial. They represent burial practices unique to the Second Temple Jewish population, bearing decorative reliefs and inscriptions. These ossuaries teach us about early Jewish beliefs regarding the afterlife, as well as the importance social structure given to family life and death.
Objects from Masada, a natural fortress in the Judean Desert overlooking the Dead Sea, a key site in the struggle between Jewish rebels and the Roman Empire almost two thousand years ago. Items on display include Aramaic, Hebrew and Latin ostraca—small potsherds bearing writing, botanical remains such as pomegranate peels, walnut shells and olive pits; and imported textiles.
Tyrian shekels, that were minted in Tyre, were the only coin accepted as the annual Temple tax, mentioned in the New Testament, and contributed by males above 20 years old.
Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science
Our cutting-edge gallery showcases how 21st-century technology is unlocking the secrets of these ancient texts. Discover how advanced imaging techniques, DNA analysis, and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing our understanding of the scrolls and the people who created them.
This exhibition is more than a display of artifacts – it’s a journey through human spirituality, resilience, and the enduring quest for meaning. From the shores of the Dead Sea to the frontiers of modern science, the story of the Dead Sea Scrolls continues to unfold.
Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to witness history firsthand and explore the roots of our shared cultural heritage.
This exhibition was created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the National Treasures. Photographs © Israel Antiquities Authority, Photographs © The Franklin Institute/ Darryl Moran
Platinum Sponsor
The Lowell Milken Family Foundation
Gold Sponsor
Leon Levy Foundation in Partnership with Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority
SILVER SPONSORS
Ed Atsinger
Taube Philanthropies
Bronze Sponsors
Harvey and Ellen Knell
Suzanne Marx and Dr. Gary Tearston
David and Sally Michaels
Ed and Jill Moss
Salem Media Group
*DUE TO SECURITY PROTOCOLS, NO BACKPACKS, LARGE BAGS OR LARGE PURSES ARE ALLOWED INSIDE. PLEASE RETURN THESE ITEMS TO YOUR VEHICLE BEFORE ENTERING.*