Gaza's Archaeological Heritage Showcased in Paris Exhibition Amid Ongoing Cultural Destruction
From April 3 to December 7, 2025, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris will present 'Saved Treasures of Gaza: 5000 Years of History,' featuring 130 artifacts that highlight Gaza's archaeological past. These pieces are part of a larger collection of 529 that have resided in Europe for approximately two decades. Half of the artifacts are owned by the Palestinian Authority, originating from excavations at Tell al-Sakan and other locations, while the remainder belongs to collector Jawdat Khoudary. Previously displayed in various cities across France and Geneva, the items represent a timeline from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman era. The exhibition will also address the recent devastation in Gaza, including the bombing of the Church of Saint Porphyrius in October 2023.
Key facts
- Exhibition runs from April 3 to December 7, 2025 at Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris
- Features 130 artifacts from Gaza's archaeological heritage
- Artifacts have been in European refuge for approximately 20 years
- Half from Palestinian Authority excavations at four sites: Tell al-Sakan, Anthedon, Monastery of Saint Hilarion, Jabaliya mosaics
- Half from collection of Jawdat Khoudary, Gaza's archaeological collector
- Previously exhibited in Paris, Arles, Lille, Dunkirk from 2000 and Geneva Museum of History and Art in 2007
- Objects remained in Geneva for 17 years after Hamas's 2006 election and Israel's 2007 blockade
- Second floor documents destruction of Gaza landmarks including Church of Saint Porphyrius bombed October 2023
Entities
Artists
- Meron Benvenisti
- Jawdat Khoudary
- Chin-chin Yap
- Bettina Jacot Descombes
- Flora Bevilacqua
- J.B. Humbert
Institutions
- Institut du Monde Arabe
- Palestinian Authority
- Geneva Museum of History and Art
- École Biblique et Archéologique Française de Jérusalem
- ArtAsiaPacific
- Architectural Digest Middle East
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Gaza
- Palestine
- Arles
- Lille
- Dunkirk
- Geneva
- Switzerland
- Tell al-Sakan
- Anthedon
- Monastery of Saint Hilarion
- Jabaliya
- Byblos
- Lebanon
- Deir al-Balah
- Lisbon
- Portugal
- Singapore
- Jerusalem
- Russia
- Eastern Europe