A Museum of the Bible meant to appeal to all religions

With a subject sacred and central to diverse faiths, the Museum of the Bible aims to appeal to religions of all kinds, and to those who don’t believe in any.

Washington’s newest museum — set to open Nov. 17 in a 430,000-square-foot building a few blocks south of the National Mall — will be chockfull of artifacts and exhibitions focused on the Bible’s long history and social impact. It will also sport high-tech activities and displays that will connect the ancient text to contemporary life in fun and engaging ways.

The museum, the $500 million brainchild of Hobby Lobby chief executive Steve Green, will showcase some of the rarest of biblical texts — from Torah scrolls to 14th- century illuminated manuscripts — alongside an amusement-park-like ride called Washington Destinations that takes visitors on a virtual aerial tour of Washington sites and an immersive experience of Jesus’ Nazareth. There will be a children’s area emphasizing courage, and an entire floor dedicated to Bible stories.

The museum takes a high-tech approach to the visitor experience, offering custom tours tailored to both time and interest. Guests receive digital guides that are connected to every gallery on the three main exhibition floors. As visitors approach a gallery or artifact, information or an activity is triggered on their devices. State- ofthe-art video, augmented reality and interactive displays complement the historic and textual artifacts.

The museum has a research arm that supports scholars from academic institutions around the world. Its educational department is developing curriculums for schools, including public schools in Israel.

A nonprofit corporation founded in 2010, the museum has renovated the former Washington Design Center. The project has meant demolishing the interior, lowering the ground floor to add basement space and building a glass enclosure on the roof. When construction is complete, the museum will house a 472-seat performing arts hall, a banquet area that can seat 420, a restaurant and rooftop garden. The glass- enclosed top floor offers views of downtown.

Photos and text from wire services MICHAEL S. WILLIAMSON — WASHINGTON POST Work continues on an exhibit that will look like a Nazareth village as it depicts the places that were a part of the life of Jesus. There will be folks in character walking the area as part of the exhibit.

MICHAEL S. WILLIAMSON — WASHINGTON POST On the upper floors of the museum there will be a performance hall and the walls will have the capability to show video that will enhance the performances.

ANDRE CHUNG FOR THE WASHINGTON POST Steve Green of Hobby Lobby