Museum of the Bible is a prominent nonprofit, educational institution dedicated to inviting people worldwide to engage with the Bible’s transformative power through immersive exhibits, cutting-edge technology, and scholarly research[1][5]. Located in Washington, D.C., three blocks from the U.S. Capitol, the museum’s 430,000-square-foot facility opened in November 2017 and has welcomed over 2 million visitors, quickly earning recognition as one of the top new attractions in the United States[2][4]. The museum’s mission is to make the Bible accessible and relevant to all ages and backgrounds, emphasizing its historical, literary, and cultural impact[1][6].
## History and Founding
The museum’s origins trace back to 2009, when Steve Green—president of Hobby Lobby—began acquiring biblical manuscripts and artifacts, aiming to establish a museum to house and showcase these items[3]. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2010, the organization purchased the Washington Design Center in 2012 and invested more than $500 million in constructing the current facility, which boasts eight floors, a rooftop garden, and a large-scale LED ceiling display[3][4]. The Green family’s significant financial backing and artifact acquisitions have been central to the museum’s development and international profile[3].
## Core Activities and Key Achievements
Museum of the Bible operates on “Four Pillars”: Education, Research, Traveling Exhibits, and the Washington, D.C. museum itself[1][5]. Its education initiatives include K–12 and high school curricula, virtual tours of Israel, and a global speaker series[1][5]. The Research pillar supports academic projects and fosters collaboration among scholars worldwide, while Traveling Exhibits leverage one of the largest private collections of biblical artifacts for domestic and international display[5]. The museum’s permanent exhibits—focusing on the history, stories, and impact of the Bible—