Located in the heart of the beautiful University of Chicago campus in Hyde Park, the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures Museum (formerly The Oriental Institute) is a showcase of the history, art and archaeology of the ancient Near East. The Museum exhibits major collections of antiquities from Egypt, Mesopotamia, Israel, Iran, Syria, Anatolia and Nubia. Artifacts trace the development of agriculture, writing, religion, art, and history of the Near Eastern region. The museum offers a variety of changing exhibitions, as well as outreach, volunteer and educational programs.  The gift and book shop sells fun and educational mementos from all over the Near Eastern world.