Visit the Museum of the Bible
in Washington, D.C.
- Open every day
- Free admission on Tuesdays
- View current availability
- Ticket delivered immediately after validation
- Mobile ticket accepted
Dive into 4000 years of biblical history through a collection of manuscripts and artifacts. This immersive museum located in the heart of Washington offers a sensory experience blending antiquities with modern technology.
Ticket options
Prices and conditions
Museum of the Bible: Entry Ticket
From 31,97 €.
An immersive experience of the Bible and its impact on the world around us.
What visitors say
Thousands of visitors have already booked their visit: reviews and testimonials
★ 4.6/5 · 12 reviews collected directly from visitors and moderated by Visit Tickets
"The Rooftop offered an unobstructed view of the Capitol, and it was much less crowded in the morning. We loved the immersion of All Creation Sings. Allow plenty of time because the visit is dense. A memorable experience for the whole family."
"Fascinated by the Dead Sea Scrolls, seeing original fragments from 2,000 years ago is breathtaking. The multi-floor course requires good shoes. The atmosphere is much less overwhelming than at the neighboring National Mall."
"The Bible & America 250 exhibition is very well documented, but the queue for timed tickets was long on a Saturday afternoon. The price of €32.50 seems expensive, but the quality of the artifacts more than compensates."
"Since we came on a free Tuesday, we saved money, but the lines still need watching. The reconstruction of the Red Sea is spectacular. The museum is enormous; consider spending the whole day there."
"As a tourist, I appreciated the proximity to the National Mall. The Hebrew Bible Experience is immersive and educational. The children were captivated by the interactive areas. Flash photography is allowed everywhere, which is handy."
"The restored historic building with its Danish bricks is majestic. It must be planned well because some immersive elements are reserved separately. Navigation between the floors can sometimes be a bit tricky."
"Coming alone, I enjoyed the morning quietness to admire the manuscripts. The $400 million investment is felt in the quality of the installations. The Rooftop at sunset is truly worth it."
"We were a group of friends. The World of Jesus of Nazareth section impressed us with its scenography. Note that it is not a quick museum visit; you should allow several hours to see everything without rushing."
"As retirees, we appreciated the clarity of the exhibitions. The reconstruction of Noah's Ark is incredibly visually rich. The museum makes biblical history accessible without being condescending."
"The audiovisual experience is impressive, especially the light and sound part. However, attendance can be intense on the weekend. The museum is a bit disappointing in terms of academic depth, but very entertaining."
"The children had a great time with the interactive exhibitions, far from traditional museums. The free Tuesday allowed us to test it out without an excessive budget. The view from the roof of the Washington Monument is an unexpected bonus."
"A surprise during our stay. Seeing the papal blessing mentioned on the panels gives it a strong spiritual dimension. The atmosphere is modern while respecting the sacred. Better than expected for the price."
Practical info
Everything you need to plan your visit
Address
20024 Washington, D.C., United States
District of Columbia
Penn Quarter Neighborhood · Metro: Smithsonian (Orange/Silver/Blue Line) or L'Enfant Plaza (Red/Green/Blue Lines), exit towards the National Mall.
Opening Hours
Sun : 10:00 - 17:00
Hours vary by season and school holidays. Check the official website before visiting, especially for exceptional closures.
Pricing
Free admission for children depending on age (check variants). General admission is free every Tuesday.
Visit Duration
Photos
Audience
Accessibility
PMR
Full accessibility for people with reduced mobility with elevators and ramps throughout the renovated building.
Family
Interactive and educational content specially designed to engage children and families.
Audio guide
French, English, Spanish
Weather in Washington, D.C.
Current conditions and forecast to plan your visit
Discover Museum of the Bible
A journey through 4000 years of history
Key figures and records of the Museum of the Bible
4000 years
Of history covered
1500+
Objects on display
3 million
Visitors since 2017
$400M
Renovation cost
Located near the National Mall, the Museum of the Bible is a major cultural destination attracting more than 453,000 visitors per year. Founded by the Green family, this site features approximately 1,500 artifacts covering four millennia of biblical history. Standard admission starts from €32.42, offering full access to permanent galleries spread across multiple levels.
History and architecture of the building
The museum occupies a historic building from 1923 entirely renovated by the agency SmithGroup. The project cost approximately $400 million, including the addition of two new modern floors. To preserve the original aesthetic, red bricks were specifically imported from Denmark to restore the exterior façade.
The official opening in November 2017 marked a major cultural event in Washington. Pope Francis sent a papal blessing during the ceremony, highlighting the universal spiritual aspect of the place despite its private funding. Carlos A. Campo now leads operations as CEO since June 2024.
This venue is not a house of worship but a non-sectarian museum space. It does not aim to proselytize or influence politics, according to its official statement. However, board members sign a declaration of faith regarding the truth of the Bible, which gives a specific orientation to the historical narrative presented to visitors.
Collections and immersive experiences
The permanent collection displays more than 1,000 objects visible for free with the standard ticket. Among the major pieces are authentic fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls, as well as ancient Hebrew and Greek texts. The museum also openly addresses controversies related to certain acquisitions, notably identified forgeries.
Beyond physical artifacts, the museum offers innovative virtual and theatrical experiences. These installations often require a specific ticket or separate supplement compared to general admission. It is crucial to check availability and additional costs when booking so you don't miss these highlights.
Temporary exhibitions change regularly and add a dynamic dimension to the visit. Themes like 'The Bible & America 250' explore the influence of sacred text on American culture. We highly recommend checking the official website before your visit to know current programs and avoid any disappointment.
Practical tips and itineraries
A complete visit takes about 2 to 3 hours given the size of the venue and the number of floors. Plan for comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking between the different galleries. The Rooftop Garden offers an ideal break with panoramic views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument.
General admission is free every Tuesday, which is an excellent way to reduce costs. However, seats are limited and lines can be long; arriving early is strongly advised. The museum is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to modern elevators connecting all levels.
Several dining options are available on-site, including a café at the top of the garden. Families will particularly appreciate the interactive areas designed to make history accessible to children. Flash-free photography is allowed in most areas, allowing you to capture the impressive details of ancient manuscripts.
What awaits you at the Museum of the Bible
4000 years of biblical history in a unique architectural setting
Tips for visiting the Museum of the Bible
Insider tips
Arrive early for the Rooftop
The rooftop garden offers an unbeatable view of the Capitol and the Washington Monument; it is less crowded in the morning. Take advantage of the morning light for spectacular photos before tourist groups arrive in large numbers around noon.
Check for supplements
Some immersive experiences require a separate purchase; plan your budget at the time of booking to avoid unpleasant surprises. The standard ticket covers the permanent galleries but often excludes specific theatrical or virtual performances requested by fans.
Comfortable shoes
With several floors and more than 1000 objects, the visit involves a lot of walking and elevator use. Opt for clean and comfortable sneakers to explore each level calmly without excessive fatigue or foot pain after three hours of touring.
Enjoy free Tuesday admission
General admission is free every Tuesday, ideal for tight budgets or large families. However, be sure to book your time slot in advance as free spots go very quickly among local residents and university students.
Photography allowed
Most areas allow flash-free photography, so take advantage of this to capture details of the ancient manuscripts. Always check signage near fragile works, as some temporary exhibitions strictly prohibit any photographic recording.
Ideal for families
Interactive experiences make history accessible to children, avoiding the usual boredom of traditional museums. Your young visitors will love using the touchscreen tablets and participating in virtual reconstructions that bring ancestral biblical narratives to life.
Understand the controversies
The museum openly addresses issues of provenance and forgeries; this is a unique educational strength. Do not hesitate to read the explanatory labels on the Dead Sea Scrolls to distinguish authentic pieces from questionable copies.
Break at the Rooftop Café
End your visit with a drink overlooking the National Mall from the rooftop café. It is the perfect moment to digest the information seen and share your impressions with your group while admiring the sunset.
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Little-known anecdotes
Unique papal blessing
Pope Francis sent an official blessing at the opening in 2017, highlighting the universal spiritual aspect despite the private funding by the Green family. This rare gesture shows an unusual ecclesial openness towards a museum funded by private American entrepreneurs.
Massive collection of 1500 objects
The museum displays approximately 1500 artifacts covering 4000 years of history, primarily from the private collection of the Hobby Lobby founders. This density of objects allows visitors to trace a continuous chronology from biblical times to the present day in one single location.
$400 million investment
The renovation of the historic 1923 building and the addition of two floors cost approximately $400 million. This colossal investment allowed for the creation of a modern museum space while preserving the original facade of the old cold storage warehouse.
Bricks imported from Denmark
To restore the original red brick facade from 1923, new bricks were specifically imported from Denmark. This artisanal choice guarantees perfect visual continuity with the original architecture while ensuring the structural durability of the renovated building.
More than 3 million visitors
Since its opening, the museum has welcomed more than 3 million people, reaching 453,000 visitors in 2024 alone. This high attendance testifies to the growing public interest in immersive and technological approaches to world religious history.
Monumental doors and LED ceiling
The museum entrance is marked by bronze doors standing 40 feet tall and weighing 2.5 tons, adorned with stained glass depicting creation. Inside, the grand hall features a 140-foot LED ceiling that projects changing visual effects to immerse visitors upon arrival.
Include the Museum of the Bible in your trip to Washington, D.C.
Three itineraries based on available time
Quick discovery of the National Mall
- Morning: In-depth tour of the Museum of the Bible for about two hours to see the major manuscripts.
- Lunch: Head to the neighboring Chinatown district to enjoy authentic and varied Asian cuisine.
- Afternoon: Relaxing walk towards the Lincoln Memorial passing by the historic Reflecting Pool.
- Evening: Light dinner near the Georgetown Waterfront to admire the city lights at sunset.
Complete cultural immersion
- Morning: Exploration of the Museum of the Bible including a specific immersive experience lasting three full hours.
- Lunch: Gastronomic break at the museum's Rooftop Garden with an exceptional panoramic view of the National Mall.
- Afternoon: Visit the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History located just next door.
- Evening: Musical or theatrical show in Georgetown to close this day rich in American cultural discoveries.
History and architecture weekend
- Day 1 Morning: Guided tour of the Museum of the Bible to understand the visual narrative of ancient sacred texts.
- Day 1 Afternoon: Discovery of the Kennedy Center to attend a prestigious opera or classical concert.
- Day 2 Morning: Tour of the United States Capitol to observe legislative operations and neoclassical architecture.
- Day 2 Afternoon: Exploration of the National Archives to get a hands-on feel for the nation's founding documents.
- Day 3: Free visit to the Penn Quarter neighborhood for shopping and discovering local urban art.
The Museum of the Bible: Entry Ticket + George Washington's Mount Vernon
Discover the city of Washington D.
From 58,65 €
See also
More must-see experiences in Washington, D.C.
Interactive map
Find the attraction and nearby places to visit
Near Museum of the Bible
Make time to explore the surrounding area
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
2 min walk
Must-visit neighboring museum dedicated to African American history, located just across on the National Mall, offering a complementary cultural experience.
Chinatown Restaurants
5 min walk
Bustling neighborhood offering a multitude of authentic and affordable Asian restaurants after the visit, especially in Chinatown.
Lincoln Memorial
15 min walk
Major historical symbol of Washington, accessible by a relaxing walk along the Reflecting Pool, dominating the urban landscape since 1884.
Kennedy Center
10 min walk
Prestigious cultural complex offering opera, ballet, and concerts, ideal for extending the cultural day at the John F. Kennedy Center.
Penn Quarter
3 min walk
A vibrant historic district blending vintage boutiques, cocktail bars, and preserved 19th-century architecture in Georgetown.
L'Enfant Plaza Gardens
4 min walk
Calm urban green spaces perfect for a relaxing break between intense museum visits, like the President's Park.
How to get to the Museum of the Bible
Estimated travel times from the main points in the city
Metro : Federal Center SW (2 min walk) Bus : Federal Center SW (2 min walk)
- From Columbus Circle, Union Station 1,7 km → 10 min
- From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 4,3 km → 16 min
- From Washington Dulles International Airport 38,8 km → 99 min
- From Federal Center SW 0,1 km → 6 min
- From Columbus Circle, Union Station 1,7 km → 15 min
- From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 4,3 km → 25 min
- From Washington Dulles International Airport 38,8 km → 163 min
- From Federal Center SW 0,1 km → 9 min
- From Columbus Circle, Union Station 1,7 km → 9 min
- From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 4,3 km → 17 min
- From Washington Dulles International Airport 38,8 km → 132 min
- From Federal Center SW 0,1 km → 3 min
- From Columbus Circle, Union Station 1,7 km → 10 min
- From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport 4,3 km → 22 min
- From Washington Dulles International Airport 38,8 km → 181 min
- From Federal Center SW 0,1 km → 3 min
- From Columbus Circle, Union Station 1,7 km → 21 min
- From Federal Center SW 0,1 km → 2 min
Accommodation
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Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before your visit
Booking
Visit
Practical Info
Accessibility
Museum of the Bible on video
A preview of this exceptional place before your visit
Museum of the Bible in pictures
See what to expect during your visit
The Bible Museum vs other cultural museums
Quick comparison with other major sites
| Bible Museum | Smithsonian National Museum of African American History | National Air and Space Museum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year established | 2017 | 2016 | 1946 |
| Adult ticket price | 32,42€ | Free | Free |
| Visit duration | 3h | 2-3h | 2-4h |
| Key feature | Technological immersive experiences | Comprehensive African American history | World-class aeronautical collections |
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