he Dead Sea Scrolls have produced an extraordinary response in museum guests at every venue where they have been exhibited. This exhibition links the spirituality of The Dead Sea Scrolls with the archaeological mysteries.

The exhibition begins with the discovery of the Scrolls in 1947 and follows the known history of the Scrolls to present day. From scholarly research in the latter half of the twentieth century an understanding of the origins of The Dead Sea Scrolls, Qumran and life during the Second Temple Period begins to unfold. 

The Discovery of the Century
The guests are drawn into the exciting drama of the 1947 discovery by a Bedouin Shepherd of the first of eleven caves housing what is now known as The Dead Sea Scrolls. Through photos, artifacts and graphic panels, the subsequent years of excavation are illustrated, including samples of what was discovered in the caves, and the adjoining excavation at Qumran. Amid swirling controversies about the content and authenticity of the Scrolls, many texts were not displayed for forty years. 

Conservation and Archaeology
As science and technology advance, they are used to unlock the scientific and historical significance of the Scrolls.  The visitor will be introduced to some of these technologies interpreted through artifacts and interactive devices. In addition to helping date and determine the nature of the Scrolls, science is integral in restoring, conserving and preserving the Scrolls and other artifacts. The visitor will explore the various measures taken by the Israel Antiquities Authority to protect these priceless artifacts.

Second Temple Period
Alongside scientific research, scholars from many disciplines offer corroborating evidence about the context in which the community at Qumran existed.  This portion of the exhibit presents an overview of the latter part of the Second Temple Period (167 BCE – 70 CE), describing the various sects and beliefs of the time ranging from the Sadducees and Pharisees to the Essenes. The various aspects of life at that time – such as diet, customs, calendars, and commerce – are described alongside artifacts and references from classical texts.

Life in Qumran
As a geographical orientation to the region, guests see a map of the region that encompasses the Dead Sea, Qumran and the caves where the Scrolls were discovered.  Guests then explore a model of the site depicting various rooms and the archaelogical finds.  Through artifacts discovered, including pottery, coins and fabrics, guests learn more about the people of Qumran and their relationship to The Dead Sea Scrolls.

The most dramatic component of the exhibition is the presentation of authentic scrolls in The Gallery of Scrolls. Each of the 12 distinct Scrolls (6 each 3-month period) is paired with its translation along with a brief explanation of the context of the Scroll.

The Scrolls presented are biblical, apocryphal and sectarian. They were specifically selected and conserved for the NC Museum of Natural Sciences exhibition, four of which have never been publically viewed anywhere in the world. Biblical Scrolls that are included are from the books of Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy and Isaiah. Other scrolls include The Community Rule and the Damascus Document.

Upon exiting The Gallery of the Scrolls, guests explore how an understanding of The Dead Sea Scrolls provides a unifying force to major religions of the world through sacred texts of the Jewish and Christian faiths.

Before leaving the exhibit area, guests have the opportunity to explore a Marketplace that is more than the average gift store.  Featuring a unique selection of pottery and jewelry from Israel, The Marketplace offers exclusive items to commemorate each guest’s experience.

Scrolls FAQ