A 5-year-old child accidentally broke a 3,500-year-old artifact at the University of Haifa's Hecht Museum. The vessel found intact during excavations in the West Bank, had been on display in the museum for 35 years.
In an interview with Ynet, the museum's director Dr. Inbal Rivlin discussed the vessel and the decision not to place it in a secure display case. "This is an ancient jug from the Middle Bronze Age. It’s indeed rare, but we chose to display it without protective glass panes.”
“This decision aligns with the museum's methodology and the vision of its founder, Dr. Reuben Hecht. He believed the museum should be a living, dynamic place — not a mausoleum or a tomb. The museum is open for free to families with children,” she said.
Dr. Rivlin called for the mother and child, who quickly left after the artifact was broken, to return for a guided tour of the museum. "The mother and child were so frightened at that moment. She grabbed the child and they quickly left the museum," Dr. Rivlin recounted.
"I want to reach out to them and say don’t worry, we don't hold anything against you. Such incidents are rare, but they happen. We’ll repair the jug and return it to its place via a process called restoration. It's a fascinating process, which we’ll record on video with our conservator, Roee Shafir. We invite the mother and child to come again for a guided tour."
The museum director also suggested parents should prepare their children before visiting. "Families should prepare their children before coming to the museum — if an exhibit doesn't explicitly say that touching is allowed, then it’s not permitted to touch it."
Dr. Rivlin also shared the museum has decided to 3D print clay exhibits that children can touch in the future. "A sign will be posted saying 'Touching allowed here.' Children use all their senses, not just sight and they need that. We’re aware of this need and will provide this experience."
Dr. Rivlin also explained the Hecht Museum at the University of Haifa. “This is a free museum, the third largest and most important archaeological museum in the country. Recently, a magnificent sculpture garden was added as well.”
“It also has an international-level art wing with paintings from across the world. Although it's currently closed for renovations, it's usually open. It's a comprehensive experience at the University of Haifa, with an impressive library situated next to us, a children's library and beautiful laboratories,” she added.