World of Jesus of Nazareth Exhibit
The building’ s three main exhibit floors are devoted to the Bible’ s history, narrative and impact. But if you weren’ t paying attention in Christian Sunday school class( or if you don’ t happen to be Christian), some of the context might elude you. And though it touts conventional exhibits— thousands of objects on display range from rare Bibles and Torahs to ancient Greek pottery and Roman beads— much of the museum’ s content is experiential.
It boasts the sort of techy bells and whistles designed to keep a generation weaned on iPads engaged. For instance, the Old Testament Hebrew Bible exhibit whisks visitors from theater to theater, through cave-like interiors to ethereal pastel-hued spaces. The World of Jesus of Nazareth re-creation features live actors in 1st-century garb. Selfie-snappers can gather around a rough-hewn table laden with fake food of the era, or stroll by pastoral murals accompanied by the sound of bleating sheep.
In the Washington Revelations attraction($ 8), visitors take a simulated flight over the nation’ s capital for a bird’ s-eye look at landmarks that have biblical references. Its 472-seat World Stage
Theater features changing performances. The debut show when the museum opened in November 2017 was a touring production of the Broadway musical Amazing Grace.
A sixth-floor cafeteria-style restaurant, Manna, serves mostly Middle Eastern fare, like lamb and couscous. A pleasant outdoor-dining patio, dubbed the Biblical Garden, is planted with herbs mentioned in the Bible.
The museum’ s exit is through the gift shop, where the merchandise ranges from a $ 125,171 diamond-and-ruby-studded pomegranate, to a $ 2.55 commemorative tin of mints.
Admission is free, but a donation is suggested. Annual memberships can be purchased which offer additional perks like discounts and early admission. Timed tickets can be reserved online at museumofthebible. org. Some attractions, including theater performances, the thrill ride and some visiting exhibits carry a separate admission charge.
The Museum of the Bible, 400 Fourth St., NW, is open daily from 10 am. to 5 p. m.
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 54 SPRING 2018