The past has been resurrected.  Stop by the San Diego Natural History Museum before December 31 and travel back in time two millennia.  Over an expanse of two floors and 14,500 square feet, 27 Dead Sea Scrolls (10 exhibited for the first time ever) are on display in Dead Sea Scrolls – Ancient.  Authentic.  Amazing.

Ancient
The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered between 1947 and 1956 in 11 caves on the northwest shores of Israel’s Dead Sea, are dated from 250 BCE to 68 CE.  These remarkable scrolls contain some of the oldest known copies of biblical books, hymns and prayers.  Inscribed on leather parchment, papyrus, and even copper, the scrolls are a bridge to a period of time that laid the foundation for western traditions, beliefs and practices.  That’s a serious blast from the past.

Authentic
Not only does this limited engagement exhibition connect the ancient world to the modern, it also joins materials never before exhibited together:  Dead Sea Scrolls from Israel and Jordan reunited for the first time in 60 years.  Ancient Hebrew codices from the National Library of Russia.  Medieval manuscripts from the British National Library.  And stunning modern interpretations of three pages from the Bible.

Most importantly, these texts are the real deal - they are not copies nor imitations. 

Amazing
The Dead Sea Scrolls have always been objects of great mystery, intrigue and significance.  But they’re also widely acknowledged to be among the greatest archaeological treasures ever discovered.  So get on over to Balboa Park and see for yourself what all the excitement is about.

San Diego’s Natural History Museum is located in Balboa Park at 1788 El Prado, San Diego (see SD map 1 p. 49).  For more information or to purchase tickets, call 877-946-7797.  Or log on to www.sdnhm.org.  Please note: the separately priced Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition ticket includes general admission.  Wheelchair Accessible.