Bible springs to life in D.C. museum
Christian art, activities await
WASHINGTON — It's a rarity for a new museum to open in Washington, D.C. The Smithsonian Institution has claimed the prime spots for most of its 19 museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened last year.
But not too far away is a new building that's home to the Museum of the Bible. The museum, which opened Nov. 17, features eight floors devoted to the book central to Christian faiths.
You may wonder what the museum has to offer for kids. An area called "Courageous Pages" offers a dozen or so games and interactive displays related to Bible stories. Young visitors can throw soft "stones" at a Goliath target to re-enact the story of David and Goliath from the Old Testament section of the Bible. They can walk on virtual water to mirror what Jesus did in a New Testament story. There's also an activity journal that includes a treasure hunt.
The rest of the museum is filled with art, artifacts, and exhibits on the history of the book and its influence over centuries (some stories go back 2,500 years). There are also several theaters showing films and a musical called "Amazing Grace." The top floor features an atrium with stunning views of the city.
The Museum of the Bible is open daily and free to visit (suggested donations are $15 for adults, $10 for age 12 and younger), but timed-entry passes are recommended. For details, a parent can visit museumofthe bible.org.