Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible is one of the most high-tech and large-scale cultural centers, located in Washington, D.C. This space in the USA is entirely dedicated to the history, texts, and impact of the Bible on the global community. The museum occupies a modern eight-story building of approximately 40,000 square meters, situated in close proximity to the capital's major government and cultural landmarks.

Inside, guests will find a collection of over 1,500 objects spanning an impressive 4,000-year period. It features everything from ancient papyri and archaeological finds to modern multimedia installations. The museum is non-denominational, inviting people of all faiths to explore the Bible as a historical and cultural phenomenon.

The building housing the exhibition is a destination in itself: it is a carefully restored industrial structure from 1923. In addition to the exhibition halls, it houses a research center, a library, and a panoramic terrace offering magnificent views of the Capitol and the National Mall.

To plan your visit and receive the most up-to-date information on special programs, it is recommended to use official communication channels. The museum is active on social media, where you can find announcements for temporary exhibitions and lectures.

Visitors can enjoy a rich program on every level of the museum. It is best to start your tour on the first floor, where you can "transport" yourself to biblical locations in Galilee using virtual reality. On the second floor, an engaging narrative about the Bible's influence on world science and culture awaits; here, you will also find an exact replica of the Liberty Bell, inscribed with the famous quote from Leviticus.

Special attention should be given to the fourth floor, where the main archaeological treasures are concentrated. Here, you can see fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient coins, and a rare 1611 edition of the King James Bible. Interactive maps and reconstructions, such as the Merneptah Stele, help bring ancient history to life and provide a better understanding of the context of biblical events.

For those seeking unique experiences, the museum offers the Washington Revelations flight tour—an exciting flight simulation over Washington, D.C., searching for biblical references on the capital's monuments. You can end your tour in the Biblical Garden on the rooftop or at the cafe with panoramic views, enjoying the city's atmosphere from a bird's-eye view.

The attraction's location is extremely convenient for tourists: the museum is situated at 400 4th St SW, just a few blocks from the National Mall. The easiest way to get here is by metro. The nearest station—Federal Center SW (Blue, Orange, and Silver lines)—is just a couple of minutes' walk away. The Smithsonian station is also within a 10–15 minute walk.

If you prefer ground-based public transport, numerous bus routes serve L'Enfant Plaza or Federal Center SW. For those using taxis or Uber, it is recommended to set the destination to the main entrance on 4th Street. Please note that parking in this area of Washington is very limited, so the metro remains the most reliable and fastest way to get around.

The history of this ambitious project began in 2010 when the Green family founded a non-profit organization. Two years later, they acquired the former Washington Design Center building, constructed in 1923. The renovation of the historic site cost approximately $400 million. To preserve the authentic red brick appearance, the builders even ordered special cladding material from Denmark.

The official opening took place on November 17, 2017. The core of the collection consists of private holdings, including incredibly rare artifacts: from biblical papyri to unique printed editions. The museum focuses on the Bible's 4,000-year journey—from oral traditions and scrolls to the modern digital age. The exhibition highlights the book's role in shaping global culture and history.

Notably, the museum building itself has official historic status. Architects managed to harmoniously integrate modern glass additions and a rooftop garden into the massive century-old brick structure. Today, it is not just a repository of antiquities but a high-tech research center collaborating with institutions such as the Vatican Library and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

To fully experience all eight floors and immerse yourself in the interactive exhibits, visitors are recommended to set aside 4 to 6 hours for their visit. This provides enough time not only to view the artifacts but also to take part in multimedia shows and relax in the rooftop garden.

If your time is limited, you should focus on one or two key galleries, such as the history of the Bible floor. In this express format, a visit will take about 2–3 hours. However, keep in mind that the scale of the collection often leads guests to stay longer than they originally planned.

The museum welcomes guests daily with the following schedule: Monday through Saturday, doors are open from 09:00 to 17:00, and on Sunday, the exhibition is open from 10:00 to 17:00. This makes it easy to fit a visit into a busy sightseeing schedule in the city center.

Before your visit, it is highly recommended to check the information on the official website. On holidays or during private events, the operating hours of specific halls or the entire complex may be subject to change.

Exploring the area around the National Mall can significantly enrich your travel experience. There are many parks and active recreation areas nearby that are easily accessible by car or public transport.