Megiddo Exhibition Opens in Chicago: Unearthing a Century of Archaeology and the Legacy of Armageddon

CHICAGO — The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) at the University of Chicago has opened a landmark exhibition titled “Megiddo: A City Unearthed, A Past Imagined,” marking 100 years since the university’s first major expedition to the ancient city of Megiddo. The exhibition, which runs from September 18, 2025, to March 15, 2026, revisits one of the world’s most storied archaeological sites—known not only for its monumental ruins but also as the biblical Armageddon.

From Excavation to Global Headlines

Between 1925 and 1939, ISAC archaeologists uncovered vast palatial complexes, fortifications, and elite artifacts at Megiddo, a strategic hub linking West Asia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. The discoveries transformed the site into an international sensation, with publications like The New York Times and The Illustrated London News splashing headlines such as “New Revelations from Armageddon” across their front pages.

The exhibition explores both the material finds and the narratives that shaped public imagination—showcasing original newspaper issues alongside artifacts that once captivated the world. Visitors can also step behind the scenes to examine excavation archives, including directors’ letters, field notes, and photographs, shedding light on the partage system that distributed artifacts between excavators and host nations.

Armageddon in Contemporary Reflection

Adding a modern dimension, the exhibition features a contemporary art film by Nick Crowe and Ian Rawlinson. This piece reflects on Megiddo’s symbolic role as Armageddon, inviting audiences to consider how prophecy, geopolitics, and cultural memory intersect against the backdrop of today’s conflicts.

A Century of Discovery

Curated by Kiersten Neumann, the exhibition highlights how Megiddo’s rediscovery was not just an archaeological milestone but also a stage for institutional ambition, philanthropy, and global storytelling.

The special exhibition is free to the public and supported by ISAC members and museum visitors.

The Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC)