A Christian family owned Bible museum project is coming up in collaboration with Israel Antiquities Authority to exhibit a rare collection of ancient artifacts and printed scriptures from the Biblical times in Washington, and is expected to draw millions of visitors per year.
"When we set out to build the best new museum in the world, we knew the museum would be even better if we joined forces with some of the greatest collections anywhere," said Cary L. Summers, the museum's president.
The Israel Antiquities Authority released a statement which says that the museum, to be opened in 2017, will use cutting edge techniques such as holograms and virtual reality, so that the guests could have a visual experience of Bible anecdotes.
"The historic collaboration of the Israel Antiquities Authority and Museum of the Bible will serve as a showcase for the nation's treasures and excite millions of visitors each year as they meet tangible evidence from archaeology and the history of the land of Israel - the cradle of Old and New Testaments," said Israel Hasson, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
Describing the structure of the future museum, Hasson said that the most recent discoveries of Israel's ancient era will be displayed near the museum's entrance.
The new venture is being touted as the largest Israeli collection of artifacts ever to be sent overseas, and will include two million relics from the Canaanite period and First and Second Temples, exhibited over an approximately 5,300 square feet of space.
"The Israel Antiquities Authority is thrilled and proud to partner with the Museum of the Bible on this landmark project. Making the archaeological heritage of the Land of Israel and the vital archaeological work conducted by the IAA available and accessible to people around the world is our mission," said Hassan.
The museum will be at a walking distance from the National Mall in Washington and also display about 40,000 objects from the personal collection of the museum owner and President of the Hobby Lobby art and craft store, President Steve Green.
The owner's collection will include rare biblical scrolls, cuneiform tablets from the time of Abraham, Dead Sea Scroll fragments, biblical papyri, Torah scrolls and rare printed Bibles.
Seals and seal impressions from the First Temple period will be showcased along with stone and alabaster vessels, jewellery, figurines, and glassware from the Second Temple period, according to Micky Saban, head of the National Treasures Department at IAA.
Saban, in an interview with Israel Radio said that IAA will now have a central stage to show rare artifacts that will shed light on the day-to-day lives of Israelis during the Old and New Testament era.
