If you don’t have the money or time to make an actual trip to the Holy Land, take heart; all you have to do is go to Florida for the spiritual experience of a lifetime.
The Holy Land Experience is the world’s first living, historical, biblical museum. The facility’s sole purpose is to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. They accomplish this purpose through profound biblical presentations, informative biblical exhibits, and religious drama and music. The Holy Land Experience is located in Orlando, off Interstate 4.
The Holy Land Experience opened its doors in February 2001 with this mission, as stated on their website (www.holylandexperience.com): “To graciously proclaim to all people, in harmony with the Bible – the Word of God – and using all appropriate means, the need for personal salvation through Jesus the Lord and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, education, or national origin. In concert with these purposes, The Holy Land Experience seeks to bring the Bible to life and to educate believers and present the gospel of Jesus Christ to the world.”
The founder of the museum, Marv Rosenthal, began The Holy Land Experience after the Lord placed a burden on his heart to passionately teach the Word of God in its historical, cultural, and geographical context. The facility takes visitors 7000 miles away and 2000 years back in time to the land of the Bible in a unique and interactive way. The combination of sights, sounds, and tastes give visitors the experience of being immersed in ancient Jerusalem. The structures and exhibits throughout the walled city have been designed and built in the style, architecture, and settings that existed in the Holy Land 2000 years ago. Biblical Archaeologists bring the history of the Bible to life through presentations, detailing The Garden Tomb, Qumran Dead Sea Caves, Great Temple and Plaza, Jerusalem Model, and Wilderness Tabernacle, which are all intricately detailed, both inside and outside, to provide visitors with a clearer understanding of their biblical significance.
The Scriptorium Center for Biblical Antiquities features a one-of-a-kind Van Kampen Collection of biblically-related manuscripts, scrolls, artifacts, and early printed editions of the Bible. The musical team “Century” recounts many of the events that transpired during the time of Jesus, including stories from the Old Testament, miracles and triumphs, and the story of musical praise through the ages. Live shows and productions range from historical recreations to theatrical and musical showcases performed both indoors and outdoors.
The Holy Land Experience is educational, inspirational, historical, fun, and exciting. But beyond the enjoyment of the exhibits and live shows, the founders hope that visitors will see God and His Word exalted and that they will be encouraged in seeking enduring truth and the ultimate meaning of life.