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Calling all explorers – pack up your archaeological gear and step back in time to an ancient world!

Lead your own expedition through tombs, pyramids, and palaces in The Ancient World: Unlocking the Middle East, encountering more than 60 artifacts that have never before displayed together.

Embarking on this epic 5,000 year old adventure will give insights into 19th and 20th century history and conflicts. We’re opening a bridge between the ancient and modern at the Nixon Library in The Ancient World.

The Sphinx and Pyramids in Egypt circa early 20th century.

Mid-twentieth century view of Jerusalem.

More than 5,000 years ago, modern civilization developed in the Middle East. In this new, originally-designed and curated special exhibit, visitors will be immersed in the history of the region, from thousands of years ago right up to the 20th century.  They will visit a street market in Jerusalem, walk through the courtyard of a Persian palace, and enter the tomb inside an Egyptian pyramid.

As guests take in these ancient sites, they will encounter more than 60 age-old artifacts, many exhibited for the first time.

Famed explorer Lawrence of Arabia on camelback near the coastal city of Aqaba (modern-day Jordan)

Moving from the ancient to the modern, guests may reflect on the beginning of Western interest in –and exploration of– the region. In a university library, learn about Western Europe’s growing interest in the ancient Middle East. An Arab headcloth worn by the iconic explorer Lawrence of Arabia, never exhibited in the United States, will be on loan from the Royal Geographical Society in London.

President Nixon, First Lady Pat Nixon, President Anwar Sadat and Mrs. Jehan Sadat with the Pyramids at the Giza Necropolis in Egypt. The Pyramid of Khufu is visible in the background.

The many regional conflicts of the 20th century will be covered in detail. Visitors will see, for the first time ever, equipment from the famous hotline linking Washington and Moscow which was used by President Nixon and Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev during the tense days of the Yom Kippur War in 1973.

This exhibit takes visitors on a journey across miles and millennia to the very roots of civilization to gain deeper understanding and context for modern conflicts.

The Ancient World: Unlocking the Middle East opens July 15, 2024, for a limited time. Admission to the special exhibit is included with admission to the Nixon Library. The Nixon Library is open seven days a week from 10 AM to 5 PM.  

Special exhibits are included with general admission to the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.