A Story Hidden for Two Millennia

A limestone box, unearthed in Jerusalem in the mid-1970s, became world-famous when it was first publicly displayed in 2002, drawing over 120,000 visitors to the Royal Ontario Museum. Inscribed in Aramaic with words that electrified scholars and believers alike, it reads:

“Yaakov bar Yosef akhui di Yeshua” – translated as “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.”

This extremely rare discovery, known as the James Ossuary, ignited wonder, skepticism, and fascination. It is the only known artifact ever discovered that can be directly linked to the family of Jesus of Nazareth.

Over the past two decades, extensive scientific studies have confirmed the inscription’s antiquity and authenticity. These findings are presented in the exhibition’s film, alongside analyses of other key artifacts.

In the 1980s, another limestone ossuary from the Jerusalem area came to light: the Zacharias Ossuary, likely belonging to Zacharias, father of John the Baptist. This extraordinary piece connects archaeology directly with key figures of early Christianity.

These exceptional finds bring history vividly to life, linking the world of Jesus and his followers to tangible objects that have survived almost two millennia. They are part of the Golan Collection, the world’s largest and most important private collection of biblical archaeology, displayed under permit from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). Altogether, the exhibition features hundreds of authentic artifacts, making it the only exhibition in the world dedicated to Jesus’ era through original archaeological discoveries.

The Golan Collection – The World’s Largest Private Collection of Biblical Archaeology

Curated by Prof. James Tabor (UNC) and displayed under permit from the IAA, the exhibition is anchored by the Golan Collection. Assembled over six decades in Israel with select contributions from collectors in the United States, the collection ensures that every artifact is presented with authenticity and historical accuracy.

This experience is unique in the world for its quality, rarity, and breadth of artifacts from the time of Jesus and early Christianity.

Step Into the World of Jesus’ Time

Visitors can experience history like never before, engaging with artifacts that reveal daily life, faith, and culture in 1st-century CE Israel.

This exhibition, Discovering the World of Jesus, offers:

• Hundreds of archaeological treasures from the Holy Land, dating to the time of Jesus and early Christianity.
• Hands-on encounters – interactive displays.
• Exclusive films – produced by Associated Producers Ltd. (Canada).
• Immersive activities – illustrating daily life.
• Scientific Insights Film – showcasing recent research confirming the authenticity of the James Ossuary inscription and other important items.

No other exhibition in the world presents such a concentration of authentic important artifacts from the time of Jesus and His followers – many shown for the first time outside the Holy Land.

---

Treasures from the Time of Jesus

Highlights of the exhibition include:

• James Ossuary – linked to James, brother of Jesus, traditionally recognized as the first bishop of Jerusalem.
• Zacharias Ossuary – likely the burial box of Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, member of the Levitical priestly class.
• Nativity Reliquary – earliest known images of the Nativity (stone relief, 3rd–5th century CE).
• Daily Life Artifacts – fishing nets, weights, and tools from the Sea of Galilee.
• Coins and Stamp Seals – Pontius Pilate coins, Tyrian silver shekels, and King Agrippa’s stamp seal.
• Roman Crucifixion Nails – illustrating practices of the era.
• Earliest model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (4th century)
• First century jar for scrolls (1st century)

An Immersive Encounter with History

The exhibition offers multi-sensory engagement for individuals, families, scholars, students, and tourists:

• Documentary films and storytelling – bringing objects and historical context to life.
• Interactive learning stations – with replicas, maps, and hands-on exploration.
• Accessible scholarship – presenting rigorous historical context in an understandable and compelling way.

Proven Audience Appeal

The Royal Ontario Museum exhibition drew 120,000 visitors. Recent pilot exhibitions in Dallas and Atlanta also generated strong public enthusiasm and reviews.

• “The genuine artifacts from the time of Jesus made the story come to life.” – C. Valentich
• “This was an AMAZING experience! You feel like you’re actually there.” – N. Scott
• “The authentic artifacts gave me a real understanding of what life was like when Jesus walked the earth.” – A. J. Miller

Strategic Value and Unique Experience for Institutions

Museums, universities, heritage centers, and presidential libraries have the opportunity to host a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience visitors won’t find anywhere else.

This experience offers:

1. Broad Audience Engagement – appeals to multiple faiths, secular visitors, students, group tours, and families (ages 12+), including visitors who may not otherwise engage with biblical archaeology.
2. Institutional Prestige – positions your institution as a leading venue worldwide presenting the most important biblical archaeology collection ever assembled.
3. Educational and Cultural Impact – supports teaching, programming, outreach, and interactive learning.
4. Revenue-Generating Potential – a rare opportunity to attract large visitor numbers, expand memberships, and create significant income through ticketing, group sales, and on-site programs.
5. Legal and Provenance Assurance – all artifacts are fully documented, with export permits and import approvals to the United States.
6. Educational and Community Opportunities -hosting institutions may choose to organize parallel conferences, seminars, or workshops with leading archaeologists and historians, creating opportunities to strengthen ties with diverse local communities.

Space Requirements: 3,500–6,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space.

With careful curation, secure display, and comprehensive educational support, hosting this exhibition provides an unparalleled opportunity to educate, inspire, and captivate audiences — while strengthening your institution’s profile and community impact.

---

No other exhibition in the world presents such a rare assembly of historically important artifacts from the time of Jesus and His followers.

---

Partner With Us On This Experience

Partner with us to bring Discovering The World of Jesus to your venue:

📧 Email: contact@b-a-i.org
📞 Phone: (202) 774-6041
🌐 More information: http://www.b-a-i.org/