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