Overview

Located at 400 4th St SW, Washington, DC 20024, the Museum of the Bible is dedicated to the history and narrative of the Bible, situated near the National Mall. This impressive 430,000-square-foot cultural institution was established with the financial backing of Steve and Jackie Green, renowned for their ownership of Hobby Lobby. The museum houses an extensive private collection of over 40,000 rare biblical texts and artifacts.

The Museum of the Bible aims to engage individuals of diverse ages and beliefs through a scholarly and interactive presentation that includes cutting-edge exhibits and unique experiences. Opened on November 17, 2017, it is conveniently located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol.

The museum features a state-of-the-art lecture hall, an expansive lobby with an interactive media wall, a dedicated children’s area, multiple dining options, and a rooftop garden that provides breathtaking views of Washington, D.C. Various long-term and short-term exhibit spaces showcase treasures from the Bible sourced from prominent museums and collections around the globe. Notably, artifacts from the museum’s collection have traveled to locations such as Oklahoma City, Vatican City, Jerusalem, and more.

Exhibit Highlights

• Explore the Bible’s impact on world culture and modern civilization, including its influence on literature, fine arts, architecture, education, science, film, music, family, government, law, human rights, and social justice.
• Discover archaeological treasures like the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient Torah scrolls, and early New Testament texts, alongside rare biblical manuscripts.
• Experience a replica of first-century Nazareth, the town Jesus knew.
• Learn about the preservation, translation, and transmission of the Bible through history, from clay tablets to today’s digital formats.
• Embark on “Drive Through History,” a high-definition sensory ride that brings you face-to-face with significant people, places, and events that have influenced the world.

Location: 300 D St SW, Washington, DC; former site of the Washington Design Center. The nearest metro stop is Federal Center SW.

Floor Plan

• First floor: Lobby, atrium, media wall, gift shop, children’s gallery, and affiliated libraries, plus a mezzanine with a coffee shop.
• Second floor: Permanent gallery on the impact of the Bible.
• Third floor: Permanent gallery dedicated to the history of the Bible.
• Fourth floor: Narrative of the Bible permanent gallery.
• Fifth floor: Long-term exhibit space for international museum galleries, performance hall, and research library.
• Sixth floor: Rooftop biblical garden, viewing gallery, ballroom, and restaurant.

Construction Details

The museum’s architecture preserves the original exterior of the 1923 building, with its red-brick masonry and classical features meticulously restored. Clark Construction, responsible for prominent projects including the White House Visitor Center and the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, served as the general contractor.

Originally a refrigeration warehouse, the structure has been creatively adapted and enhanced, thanks to architectural designs by Smith Group JJR, the minds behind other landmark buildings. Several prominent architectural firms and design groups have also contributed to the museum’s impressive redevelopment. A dedicated team of scholars, writers, and museum professionals collaborated to assemble artifacts and curate the core exhibits of this remarkable institution.