Holy Mother Lode

In the month when Hollywood director James Cameron makes a splash (or belly flop) with The Lost Tomb of Jesus, a unique exhibit arrives at Fair Park with 350 rare artifacts from the Holy Land. Created in conjunction with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Institute of Archaeology, the interactive exhibit lets guests walk through the beginnings of Judaism and Christianity. Some of the artifacts include portions of the Leviticus and Deuteronomy Dead Sea Scrolls, the ossuary (bone box) that some archaeologists believe held the remains of Simon the Cyrene, who carried the cross for Jesus, as well as a 2,000-year-old child's sandal found at Masada and several ancient weapons—including bronze spearheads, battle-axes and a sword dating to as early as 2200 B.C. Did we mention it's interactive? Kids can participate in an "archaeological dig" and parents can shop at the bazaar for Judaica, pottery, books on the Middle East and Bibles. You can also take in a "First Century meal," with dishes from the Holy Land. Ancient Treasures of the Holy Land opens Wednesday in the Embarcadero Building at Fair Park, 3909 Grand Ave., and runs through July 28. Tickets (which can be used anytime) are $10 through March if purchased online. Tickets at the door are $16.95, $6.95 for children. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Call 866-698-5333 or visit holyland1.com.
March 14-July 28