General Visitor Information

What's the best time to visit?
Avoid the school fieldtrips and weekend crowds by visiting Monday–Friday in the afternoon.

How long will it take to view the Exhibition?
Most guests spend an average of 1½ - 2 hours in Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible.

How long can I stay in the Exhibition?
As long as you like, or until the exhibit closes. Dead Sea Scrolls is a one-time entry exhibition. No re-entry is allowed. Please use the restrooms before viewing Dead Sea Scrolls as there are no restrooms inside the exhibit gallery. See Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit Hours for details.

Is there an audio tour?
Yes, the Museum produced an audio tour to compliment the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition. It is 40 minutes in length and contains 35 stops throughout the galleries. The tour focuses on the story line of our exhibit and provides additional information that visitors would not normally get from the exhibit alone.

Are there Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibit tours?
No, all visits are self-guided. Visitors who wish to learn additional information about the exhibit are encouraged to purchase an audio tour. 

Are strollers and wheelchairs allowed in the Exhibition?
Strollers are not allowed in the special Exhibition and young children should be carried in a front facing carrier. Large backpacks are not allowed. Wheelchairs are allowed in the exhibit, and Dead Sea Scrolls is entirely wheelchair accessible.

Is there a place to rest in the exhibition?
Yes. Benches will be placed in the exhibition, providing places for visitors to rest as needed. If you tire easily of need additional assistance, we recommend utilizing our complimentary wheelchairs located next to the audio tour desk.

Are food or beverages allowed into the exhibition?
No. In order to protect the artifacts and to keep the Museum clean, food and beverages are not allowed on the exhibit floors or in Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible. In order to ensure an atmosphere of respect, all cell phones must be powered off.

Can I take photographs or film in the Exhibition?
Photography and filming, including pictures taken with cell phones, are not allowed in Dead Sea Scrolls, except by accredited members of the media.

Are children allowed in the Exhibition?
Yes, and to ensure an enriching experience for all, the Milwaukee Public Museum asks that a responsible adult, parent, guardian, or school chaperone accompany children under the age of 16. Avoid school fieldtrips by visiting in the afternoon Tuesday - Friday.

Ticket and Purchase Information

Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are highly recommended. If you do not purchase tickets in advance, there is no guarantee of entry into Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible. A limited number of tickets are sold on a daily basis.

How do we purchase tickets?
Tickets can be purchased by calling the Museum's Reservation Line at (414) 223-4676, or through our online reservation system. Tickets are for timed entry. Last entry is 90 minutes prior to exhibit closing time. All tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable. Dead Sea Scrolls tickets include general Museum admission on the day of your visit.

How do the timed-entry tickets work?
Tickets to Dead Sea Scrolls are timed-entry tickets, offered at 15-minute intervals. Guests should arrive on the second floor Exhibition entrance at the time listed on their ticket. The time listed on the ticket should be considered the queuing time. Actual entry into Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible will occur within minutes after the listed queuing time. For example, if someone has an 11am ticket, they will go into the exhibit between 11am and 11:15am.

Do you sell Dead Sea Scrolls gift cards?
If you do not know the date and time you would like to visit, consider buying a general Museum gift card. The gift card can be used to purchase timed entry tickets at a later date. All timed tickets are subject to availability. Stop by the main ticket windows in the Museum or call (414) 278-2728 to purchase over the phone (mailing fee applies). If you purchase a gift card over the phone, the card will be mailed to the address provided. Mailing time is usually 3-4 days. Gift cards cannot be purchased over the internet.

Do Milwaukee County residents receive discounted tickets?
Yes, Milwaukee County residents with proper ID may purchase $10 Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible tickets for entrance on Mondays only. Without proper ID, full price admission will be charge.

Group Tickets and Reservations

How do I reserve group tickets?
Tickets can be reserved by calling the Museum's Reservation Line at (414) 223-4676. Group reservations need to be confirmed and paid in full two weeks before the visit date.

What information should I know before calling to book a group reservation?
When making a group reservation it is helpful to know the preferred date(s) and time(s) of your visit as well as the number of people in the group. To receive a group rate you will need to have 15 or more guests in your group.

I would like to add audio tours to my group reservation, is there a discount?
Audio tours that are reserved and paid in advance with the group reservation are $5. Our Secrets of the Dead Sea planetarium show may also be added for $5 per person.

Can a guide speak to our group in the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibition?
No, groups are not permitted to gather in the exhibit to listen to a group guide because it can create congestion in the exhibit and may be a disturbance for the other museum guests.

Are discounts available for school groups?
Discounts are available for school groups visiting Monday-Friday. No discounts are available on the weekends. Please call (414) 278-2714 for additional information and to book your fieldtrip.