Ronald Reagan Presidential Library’s Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit Reaches 200,000 Guests

Once-in-a-generation exhibit on display for only a few more weeks 

SIMI VALLEY, CA — The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) today announced a major milestone for its highly-popular “Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition,” officially welcoming its 200,000th guest. This achievement marks the highest attendance for a special exhibit since the Library reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The exhibition, which commemorates the 75th anniversary of the scrolls’ discovery, is a rare opportunity to view one of the most historically and culturally significant discoveries of modern times. This has been the first time the Dead Sea Scrolls has been to the United States in over a decade. The exhibit, which opened in November 2024, is set to close on September 2, 2025. Guests are encouraged to see the collection before this extraordinary opportunity is gone by purchasing tickets at ReaganLibrary.com/DeadSeaScrolls. Sell outs are expected for the final weeks. 

“President Reagan was deeply shaped by his Christian faith and frequently engaged with Jewish communities and Christians of all types. It has therefore been a special honor to bring this exhibit to over 200,000 visitors from across America and beyond,” said David Trulio, President and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. “Observing these sacred scrolls and artifacts is enormously impactful, and we are grateful to our visitors and partners for this exhibition’s success.” 

The Dead Sea Scrolls, believed to date back to around 250 BCE to 68 CE, are a collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts that have impacted the world’s understanding of history, religion and culture. Discovered between 1947 and 1956, many of the scrolls in this rotating exhibit have never been seen outside Israel. 

Due to the extreme light sensitivity of the scrolls, the manuscripts have been rotated every few months, allowing guests to return and see new manuscripts every few months. Throughout the duration of the exhibit, the public has been able to view scrolls including the Book of Psalms and the 4Q57 Isaiah Scroll, with the 4Q260 Community Rule Scroll currently on display. 

A significant moment during the exhibition’s run was the two-week display of the Ten Commandments Scroll – its first time ever in California – over the Easter and Passover holidays. Believed to be the oldest existing copy of the Ten Commandments, the scroll is only allowed on display for two weeks every two years, making its public viewing an incredibly rare experience. 

The exhibit has also featured several historically significant artifacts including the Magdala Stone, featuring the earliest known synagogue images of the Temple Menorah; the Sea of Galilee Boat, a 1st-century fishing vessel often referred to as the “Jesus Boat”; and a Pavement Stone from the Pilgrim’s Road, a slab from a road, built during the governorship of Pontius Pilate, that was once traveled to reach the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. 

The exhibition was created by the Israel Antiquities Authority from the collections of the National Treasures, and curated by Dr. Risa Levitt, Dr. Orit Shamir, Dr. Joe Uziel, and Navit Popovich-Geller. The exhibit, produced by West Wall Exhibitions and RRPFI, was made possible by The Lowell Milken Family Foundation. For a full list of sponsors, more information about the exhibit and to purchase tickets, please visit www.ReaganLibrary.com/DeadSeaScrolls. 

About the Reagan Foundation and Institute

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (RRPFI) is the sole nonprofit organization created by President Reagan charged with advancing his legacy and principles – individual liberty, economic opportunity, freedom and democracy, peace through strength, and national pride.  

A globally recognized nonpartisan organization based in Simi Valley, CA, with a leading policy institute in Washington, DC, RRPFI delivers impactful public affairs programming, policy convenings and projects of national and international significance, and distinctive educational initiatives.  In addition, RRPFI sustains the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, the largest and most visited presidential library, which routinely hosts major special exhibitions. 

An hour from Los Angeles International Airport, RRPFI’s Simi Valley campus sits on 400 acres, serves as the final resting place of America’s 40th President and former First Lady Nancy Reagan, displays a chunk of the Berlin Wall, and houses the plane President Reagan flew on as Air Force One to 26 countries.  Onsite are the Reagan Center for Public Affairs, Presidential Learning Center, Air Force One Pavilion, and the Reagan Leadership Academy.  More information is available at www.reaganfoundation.org.

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