Dead Sea Scrolls fragments removed from Museum of the Bible for being 'inconsistent with ancient origin'

A Bible museum founded by an evangelical Christian billionaire has remove five fragments thought to have been from the Dead Sea Scrolls after experts concluded they were "inconsistent with ancient origin".

The $500 million Museum of the Bible was opened in November by Steve Green, the founder of craft chain Hobby Lobby, and displayed some of his artifacts built up over a decade of collecting.

But on Monday the chief curator, Jeffrey Kloha, announced that five of the 16 fragments in the museum's collection were being removed from public display after German-based scholars examined them.

Mr Kloha told CNN: "Though we had hoped the testing would render different results, this is an opportunity to educate the public on the importance of verifying the authenticity of rare biblical artifacts, the elaborate testing process undertaken, and our commitment to transparency."

He added: "As an educational institution entrusted with cultural heritage, the museum upholds and adheres to all museum and ethical guidelines on collection care, research and display."

It is not known how much was spent on the fragments but some academics had disputed their authenticity since they went on display.

Last year the museum sent the fragments to Germany's Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und-prüfung.

Experts there used 3D digital microscopy and studied the ink used on the papyrus.

Last year, the US Justice Department accused the Green family's company of smuggling ancient artifacts from Iraq.

Hobby Lobby agreed to pay a $3 million fine and return more than 5,000 items in a government settlement. 

The Museum of the Bible issued a statement at the time stating that none of the artifacts involved were part of the Museum’s collection.