Strata: History on Hayehudim Street

Take a stroll through ancient Jerusalem. A new, open-air exhibit graces Hayehudim Street in Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter. Inaugurated in July 2020, the exhibit presents about 180 archaeological items, many coming from the Siebenberg House museum. The display includes architectural elements from public buildings of the area, dated to the Roman period through the modern era. Now any passerby can catch a glimpse of Jerusalem’s rich history—completely free of charge.

Under normal circumstances, there would have been challenges to construct and install such an exhibit in Jerusalem’s Old City, which receives millions of visitors every year. Its location on a stretch of the ancient cardo (main street of Roman and Byzantine cities) is usually bustling. Yet because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the exhibit was installed in record time, without inconveniencing visitors.

The Jerusalem Affairs and Heritage Ministry coordinated this project with the Israel Antiquities Authority, Jerusalem Municipality, Company for Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter, and East Jerusalem Development Company. A generous donation from the Evyatar family made this venture possible.