The Rockefeller Archaeological Museum, originally known as the Palestine Archaeological Museum, is located in East Jerusalem. Designed by architect Austen St. Barbe Harrison, the building is a prominent example of Mandate-era architecture, blending Western modernism with traditional Middle Eastern motifs. It was established to house the extensive collection of artifacts discovered during excavations conducted in Mandatory Palestine between 1919 and 1948.
The museum's collection spans from prehistoric times to the 18th century, organized chronologically in its central octagonal gallery. Notable holdings include the Lachish Letters, ivory carvings from Megiddo, and architectural elements from the Umayyad Palace at Khirbat al-Mafjar. Since 1966, the museum has been administered by the Israel Museum, serving as a critical repository for the region's archaeological heritage.
Key Facts
- Materials
- Local limestone, White stone
- Civilization
- British Mandate / Levantine
- Accessibility
- Partially accessible; some areas involve stairs
- Date(s)
- 1930-1938
- Condition
- Well-preserved, active museum
- Original Function
- Archaeological Museum
- Key Figures
- Austen St. Barbe Harrison, John D. Rockefeller Jr., James Henry Breasted
Founding and Construction
1920s-1938Following a $2 million donation by John D. Rockefeller Jr., the museum was commissioned to provide a permanent home for the growing number of artifacts found in the region. Architect Austen St. Barbe Harrison designed the structure to integrate seamlessly into the Jerusalem landscape, incorporating a central courtyard and an iconic octagonal tower.
Mandate Era and Early Years
1938-1948The museum officially opened in 1938. During the British Mandate, it served as the primary institution for the study and display of regional antiquities, housing finds from major excavations at sites like Megiddo, Lachish, and Jericho.
Post-1948 and Integration
1948-PresentFollowing the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the museum fell under Jordanian administration. After the 1967 Six-Day War, the Israel Museum assumed responsibility for the site. Today, it continues to function as a research facility and exhibition space, housing the Department of Antiquities' archives and significant archaeological collections.