Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, Chicago

Designed with an Art Deco aesthetic that balances the Gothic architectural elements of gables, bays, and buttresses, this building's origins trace back to the early 20th century when University of Chicago archaeologists collected artifacts (one of whom is rumored to have inspired Indiana Jones). Over time, it has evolved into an interesting and informative museum showcasing an astounding array of relics from the ancient Middle East, particularly Egypt, Mesopotamia, Iran, and Anatolia. Boasting the largest collection of such antiquities in the United States, the exhibits feature a diverse array of items, including amulets, mummies, limestone reliefs, gold jewelry, ivories, pottery, and bronzes spanning from the 8th millennium BC to the 13th century AD.

Among the most remarkable discoveries is a collection of bronze figurines unearthed in southeast Turkey, dated 3000 BC and considered the world's earliest bronze artifacts. Notable exhibits also include a fragment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, one of the few ancient Hebrew manuscript fragments on display in the US, and a presentation of findings from the institute's excavation at Megiddo (biblically known as Armageddon and considered the birthplace of Israeli archaeology). Don't miss the exquisitely carved Megiddo ivories from 1300 BC.

The Egyptian Gallery's standout piece is the "Colossal Statue of King Tutankhamun", dating from 1334 BC (though not truly colossal, it stands impressively tall at 17 feet). Many artifacts in the Persian Room were excavated by the Oriental Institute during the 1930s, a time when the University of Chicago was at the pinnacle of archaeological exploration. Notable pieces include the robust "Colossal Bull Head" from Iran, one of a pair of beautifully carved stone statues dating from 486 to 424 BC. Additionally, there's a lavish collection of Achaemenid art uncovered during excavations at Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire from 612 to 330 BC, in the 1930s.