
Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition Guidebook
$14.95
Special Exhibit
Never before toured in California and not seen in the U.S. since 2013, the Ten Commandments Scroll is now on exclusive display through April 24. This is your chance to explore one of the most significant texts in religious history.
November 22, 2024 - September 2, 2025
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Included with Museum admission
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.
The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, returning to the U.S. after nearly a decade.
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).
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