Though overlooked by many visitors to the city, this archaeological museum is well worth a visit. Exhibits date from prehistoric times through to the Middle Ages and are presented chronologically. They include carved 12th-century lintels from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, detailed 8th-century carvings and moldings recovered from Hisham’s Palace near Jericho – don't miss the extraordinary stucco dome from the diwan (Muslim meeting place) – and an exquisite wooden model of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre inlaid with mother-of-pearl.
The distinctive castle-like building was designed by British architect Austen St Barbe Harrison and owes its existence to a gift of US$2 million from the Rockefeller family in 1927. In sore need of restoration, it has an internal courtyard with an ornamental pool and attractive mosaic decoration.
