Shrine of the Book

Approx. Time: 2 hours
Activity Level: Easiest

The original plan for The Shrine of the Book, which is the home to many Dead Sea Scrolls and other rare ancient manuscripts, was for it to be built on the campus of The Hebrew University at Givat Ram. Despite many negotiations between the University and the Shrine’s architects, a decision was made to move the Shrine to the hills near Neve Sha'anan as the Israel Museum was to be built there in 1959. Due to this move, the black basalt wall was added to the design to create a greater and more shocking aesthetic experience in comparison to the dome shape of the Shrine. The dome covers a structure, more than half of which is below the ground, and is reflected in a surrounding pool.

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