Nearly a Century of Excellence
The Baidun Collection: Among the Most Important Collections of Antiquities in Israel
The Baidun Fine Antiquities gallery offers an exceptional selection of antiquities and fine art drawn from the Baidun family’s private collection, assembled over nearly a century. While the majority of our pieces were excavated in the lands described in the Bible, our collection also includes remarkable objects from the great civilizations of the ancient Mediterranean, including Greece, Rome, and Byzantium.
Our mission is to guide both new and established collectors in acquiring beautiful artifacts of historical importance—objects that not only enrich their collections but also become treasured family heirlooms, passed down through generations.
Handcrafted History from Our Home to Yours
Our grandfather, Mahmoud Baidun, developed his passion for antiquities as a young boy, discovering ancient coins and artifacts in the fields surrounding his home in Silwan, Jerusalem.
As a child, Mahmoud helped support his ailing grandmother by selling flowers to archaeologists working on excavations in his neighborhood. Through these encounters, he became acquainted with some of the most distinguished pioneers of archaeology in the Holy Land, including Professor E. L. Sukenik, Professor Adolf Reifenberg, Dame Kathleen Kenyon, and General Yigael Yadin.
Recognizing his natural curiosity about history and his keen appreciation for the craftsmanship of ancient civilizations, these scholars helped nurture his understanding of antiquities, introducing him to the symbols, artistic traditions, and historical significance of the objects they studied.
What began as a childhood fascination gradually developed into a lifelong calling. In 1927, Mahmoud Baidun established his antiquities business in Jerusalem, laying the foundations of a family legacy that has endured for nearly a century. The gallery later became a well-known destination on the historic Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem’s Old City, attracting archaeologists, academics, scholars, and collectors from around the world.
Although Mahmoud is no longer with us, his passion, knowledge, and expertise have been passed down through generations of the Baidun family. His legacy was carried forward by his son, Khader, and his grandsons, Alan (Aladin) and Rami, who remain actively involved in the family business today. Working alongside their father, Alan’s sons, Abd and Zane, proudly represent the fourth generation of the Baidun family, continuing a tradition of dedication, expertise, and appreciation for the antiquities of the ancient world.
The Baidun family has proudly assisted in developing and curating important collections of biblical antiquities for local and international museums, libraries, and universities.
We specialize in biblical antiquities spanning the time of Abraham through the time of Jesus, as well as objects from the Islamic and Ottoman periods. Our expertise also extends to the great civilizations of the ancient Near East and neighboring regions, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, ancient Israel, South Arabia, Persia, Greece, Rome, Byzantium, and the rich artistic traditions of the Islamic world.
Although our primary focus remains on these civilizations, we also have a particular appreciation for exceptionally beautiful and historically significant objects from other regions of the ancient world.
Over the decades, the Baidun family has established lasting relationships with private collectors, museums, national libraries, universities, and scholars around the world. Our reputation has been built upon generations of experience, personal relationships, and a commitment to offering antiquities of historical significance and artistic merit.
Directly Sourced Authenticity
The Baidun Gallery has operated through several important chapters of Jerusalem’s modern history, from the British Mandate period through Jordanian rule and into the present day under the State of Israel.
Over the generations, the Baidun family has assembled one of Israel’s largest collections of antiquities. We stand behind every piece we offer, guaranteeing its authenticity, legality, and provenance.
Israel is the only source country in the world that continues to permit the legal trade of antiquities.
Every piece we sell is registered with the Israel Antiquities Authority and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, an export permit, and a lifetime guarantee.
Every ancient object carries a story that has endured through centuries, connecting the people and civilizations of the past with the world we inhabit today.
We invite you to explore the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient civilizations and discover objects that have preserved their stories for thousands of years. Each antiquity offers a tangible connection to the past and an opportunity to become the next custodian of a remarkable piece of history.
We warmly welcome you to the Baidun Gallery of Fine Antiquities at our new location, 45 Armenian Patriarch Street, in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City. Experience firsthand the knowledge, passion, and dedication that have defined the Baidun family for nearly a century.
We look forward to welcoming you personally. Visit Our Gallery – Contact & Directions to plan your visit.