National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel facts for kids
The Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel is a brand-new building in Jerusalem. It is the main home for the Israel Antiquities Authority. This important campus is located between the famous Israel Museum and the Bible Lands Museum.
The building was designed by the well-known architect Moshe Safdie. Its construction began with a special ceremony on October 15, 2006. The campus was planned to open in October 2012. This modern center is a key place for studying the past.
What is the National Campus for Archaeology?
This campus is a central hub for everything related to archaeology in Israel. Archaeology is the study of human history and prehistory. It involves digging up old sites and studying the things people left behind. These things can be tools, pottery, buildings, or even ancient writings.
The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) is the government group in charge of protecting and researching these ancient treasures. The new campus gives them a modern space to do their important work. It helps them to preserve and learn from Israel's rich history.
A Home for Ancient Treasures
One of the most exciting parts of the campus is that it holds the World Center for the Dead Sea Scrolls. The Dead Sea scrolls are a collection of very old Jewish texts. They were found in caves near the Dead Sea. These scrolls are more than 2,000 years old. They include some of the oldest known copies of books from the Hebrew Bible.
The campus is home to all 15,000 pieces of these precious scrolls. This makes it a vital place for researchers and visitors. It helps everyone learn about these amazing ancient documents.
Who Built This Important Center?
The architect, Moshe Safdie, is famous for designing many unique buildings around the world. He created a special design for the National Campus for Archaeology. His design helps to protect the ancient items inside. It also makes the building a great place for people to learn and explore.
The campus was built to bring together many different parts of archaeology. It includes labs, storage areas, and places for exhibitions. This helps experts work together to understand Israel's long history.
