A map of the ancient world with markers on Egypt, Israel, and Persia A map of the ancient world with markers on Egypt, Israel, and Persia
Egypt Markers
israel Markers
Iran Markers

Visit a

Special Exhibition

Explore 5,000 Years of History

The Ancient World Logo

Calling All Explorers!

Pack your archaeological gear and step back in time to the ancient world.

The Sphinx in Cairo, Egypt
The Tower of David in Jerusalem, Israel
The ruins of a wall that surrounds the Dome of Soltaniyeh

Lead your own expedition through tombs, pyramids, and palaces in The Ancient World: Unlocking the Middle East, encountering more than 60 artifacts that have never been displayed together before. Don’t miss your chance to view the Arab headcloth worn by iconic explorer Lawrence of Arabia, on display for the first time ever in the United States.

Embarking on this epic, 5,000-year-old adventure will give insights into 19th- and 20th-century history and conflicts, opening a bridge between the ancient and the modern.

A black and white photo of the Sphinx with the Pyramids in the background

Ancient

Egypt

Be immersed in the age of the pharaohs by viewing ancient artifacts including a mummy mask and sarcophagus panel. Bridge the ancient to the modern with an interactive that lets you take part in building the Suez Canal.

Ancient

Israel

Visit a street market in Jerusalem and encounter the history of this sacred city founded 5,500 years ago.

See equipment from the famous hotline that President Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev used to link Washington and Moscow during the Yom Kippur War in 1973 – on display for the first time ever.

A yellow telephone receiver
A map of the ancient Middle East

Ancient

Persia/Iran

Walk through the courtyard of a Persian palace to explore what has been called the world’s first superpower. Encounter some of the greatest archeological sites in the world as you learn about Persia’s role in the advancement of science, art, technology, and culture.