This was a beautiful museum! It was VERY informative, well put together and clean. Sooo much history and value lied in this museum. They had several props where actors dressed up and sat in areas to give insight about some exhibits. There were sound props in areas to add to the exhibits. They had a gift shop with sooo many wonderful gifts from bibles to bracelets, uplifting books, stuffed animals, magnets, cups, mugs, games, and so so much more! I could've spent two hours in that gift shop lol for real.
The customer service was amazing! The bathrooms were immaculate. They even had clean water fountains and they had a place to check your coats so you don't have to carry them around. There were 6 floors of exhibits and shows. The shows require separate tickets but I am sure they weren't that expensive.
They also had a nice sit down restaurant in the museum. I think the best exhibits were on 2-3 floors but everything was quite interesting. There was even an area where there was one room where you could sit in a booth for two minutes and share your testimony. In doing so, people could walk through the exhibit and push a button to choose from different testimonies shared by many others so your testimony would eventually be seen by others. That was pretty cool.
We didn't have much time when we went. If you only have 2-3 hours to visit I would suggest starting your viewing on floors 2-3 first then going to the other floors if you have time. Also, one of the elevators does not go to the fourth floor so you will have to go down to the other elevator to access that floor just fyi. The good news is that there are bathrooms on every floor!
All around the museum there were interactive exhibits so some kids would enjoy those areas. When it comes to parking there is a parking lot right next to the museum but you have to pay. I believe the all day amount for that one is $21. To get out of that parking lot on foot you have to go back through the way you drove in because the stairs lead to nowhere and the elevators are not accessible so it may be a challenge for wheelchairs so I would say call if you have questions about wheelchairs.
There is public parking but you will have to walk further and still have to pay. We went Saturday to the parking garage next to the museum. We stayed for about 3 hours and our fee was $15. The bad thing is there is only one way in the parking lot and one way out so if you have small kids or an adult with a frequent bladder it would be best to let them go to the bathroom before you go back in the parking lot to leave for the day because there was a line to get out of the parking lot because each vehicle had to pull up, pay, then exit (no cash, only card). One person's car stalled and held up the line so just a heads up, pee before you go get your car just in case lol.
Also to get in the museum they will search all Bags and scan bodies with the scanner and the walk thru metal detector. I think they are ok with you taking in your own water bottle too, but call to verify because I am not 100% sure on that. I just saw people with them. But some exhibits don't allow food or drink but I think you will be ok with it in hand as long as you're not snacking and drinking but only carrying the stuff with you. There were guards in a lot of areas. Hope this review helped and I hope you enjoy your visit!☺️Also I would recommend buying tickets in person so you can ask questions and they may be able to tell you more about the shows you can add to your ticket. But if you don't want to wait in line I would say buy your tickets online. Fyi they do give military...
Read moreI visited the Museum of the Bible in DC and it was absolutely fantastic , one of the most immersive, inspiring museum experiences I’ve ever had. Whether you are deeply rooted in faith or simply enjoy history, culture, and storytelling, this museum delivers. Way more than the Bible a history do the world. They make the Bible come to life and explain all the history!
The museum is spread across five unique floors, and each one feels like a journey of its own. One floor focuses on the history of the Bible, from manuscripts and translations to its preservation through the centuries. Another floor brings the stories of the Bible to life through immersive experiences, art, and architecture. (Allow enough time for this floor) Tip one of them starts every half hour so be prepared. There is also a floor dedicated to the Bible’s impact on society, language, culture, and the arts. The performance theater on an upper level is outstanding, with high-quality performances from Logos Theater. Even the restaurant upstairs adds to the experience, offering a quiet space to reflect and enjoy a meal outside in the rooftop garden
The museum is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits, touchscreens, and even virtual reality elements. They even have interactive experience for the children to find in all floors. Everywhere you go, the attention to detail in the design and storytelling is breathtaking, from the grand lobby all the way up to the rooftop views.
A few tips to make the most of your visit: Arrive early to avoid crowds, and set aside at least three to four hours if you want to see the highlights, or even five to six if you want to take everything in. This cna easly be an all day museum, Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking. Check the schedule for special presentations so you don’t miss them. Plan meal breaks carefully, since the café and restaurant can get busy at peak times. If you can, use a guided tour to gain even deeper insight. If your timing is good you will run into Stacy who is a walking almanac of ancient history, she really makes it come alive. Seems like interpreters are becoming fewer and fewer and they really make things engaging. Nothing like a live real person.
My only suggestion is to have more interpreters and an audio guide. The more five senses that can be used in learning the better retention. A live person makes all the difference.
Another Tip start on floor 5 and work your way down. Oh also be sure and ask which exhibits are on loan and make sure you see those.
Overall, the Museum of the Bible is uplifting, educational, and beautifully curated. Each floor offers a new perspective, and together they create an unforgettable experience. This is a must-see museum in DC that will stay with you long...
Read moreI purchased all the tours available, and organize the timing and the locations with customer service. The people who work there are warm, welcoming, and very helpful. It’s obvious this is not just a job for them because they’re also invested spiritually. The museum is rich with all types of artifacts (originals and facsimiles). It has a lovely replica of the village of Nazareth with actors walking around playing the part of ancient Hebrews. The interactive and digital offerings are very well done. For example, they offer a flight simulation over the monuments of DC that points out all the Bible verses that can be found engraved into the local monuments. I would describe the ride as sensorimotor IMAX experience. The tour guides are knowledgeable, personable, and were patrons who eventually decided to work for the museum. The offerings for children is so much fun. Although I did not have children with me. as an adult I got in on it. I spent the entire day there which was 10-5. I would suggest the entire day unless you’re not a Bible nerd then four hours should be plenty. The gift shop is large and has something for every budget. I would highly suggest the highlights tour because you’ll get information about the architecture of the building, which mirrors the biblical journey into light.
Pro tips: the museum is six floors of exhibits, and a rooftop restaurant that offers foods for folks like me who need gluten-free options, and your typical burger and fries. Of course wear comfortable shoes, but also the elevators are plenty, are quick, and are an experience of themselves as they have huge LED screens that provide images and sounds of different biblical environments around the world. There is an x-ray check before you enter the building so no food or open drinks are allowed. However, my refillable water bottle was allowed, and there were water fountains located on every floor with filtered water in order to refill my bottle. There are many more offerings that are not listed on their website so call ahead to find out all that’s going on that day. The tour guides were so amazing that when I and others attempted to tip them, they refused to take our tips and asked us to donate directly to the museum. The integrity of the staff was refreshing. Lastly, I purchased my ticket in advance on Groupon which included their all things worship immersive experience, and the deal ended up being lower than just paying for the...
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