“Kingdom of David and Solomon Discovered” will showcase nearly 50 artifacts from 10th-century b.c.e. biblical Israel. It will mark the world premiere of both the Ophel pithos inscription and a selection of artifacts discovered by Dr. Eilat Mazar in the City of David. The exhibit, which will be held in Armstrong Auditorium (Edmond, Oklahoma), will also feature elements of monumental Jerusalem, including a Phoenician-style capital discovered in Jerusalem.
Discovered at archaeological sites across Israel, including Jerusalem, Timna, Lachish and Khirbet Qeiyafa, this unique collection of iron, pottery, stone and textiles will be presented within a sensational exhibit featuring life-size monumental wall reconstructions, virtual reality tours, video presentations, and several original illustrations and artwork selections.
This exhibit is totally unique. This is the first time such a diverse collection of 10th-century archaeological finds have been collected in one place and presented in their broader scientific, historic and biblical context to reveal the monumental nature of the united monarchy during the reigns of kings David and Solomon.
This free exhibit is presented and funded by the Armstrong Institute of Biblical Archaeology in association with the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation, the Israel Museum and the Israel Antiquities Authority.
This is Armstrong Auditorium’s third exhibit of biblical artifacts, following “Seals of Jeremiah’s Captors Discovered” (2013–2015) and “Seals of Isaiah and King Hezekiah Discovered” (2018–2019), which won Oklahoma Tourism’s 2020 award for Outstanding Temporary Exhibit.
Due to the ongoing war in Israel, the opening date of the exhibit has been delayed from Dec. 31, 2023, to Feb. 25, 2024. The exhibit will run until Jan. 31, 2025.
