A bridge between the religions from the Middle East: Judaism, Christianity and islam. Initiate reflection. And all that embedded in the colourful atmosphere of an Oriental bazar Street, Roman, Arab, Bedouin camp fishing village and Jewish farming village. Museum park Orientalis (formerly the biblical heritage museum) is a fun and exciting destination for a day out.

A good and serious introduction to what awaits you in the outdoor museum is the exhibition ‘ Of Abraham to Muhammad ‘ in the Museum. Because you would be in this world, in which wars are waged in the name of faith, quickly overlook: the Jewish, Christian and Islamic faith have many similarities. So is Patriarch Abraham an important person in all these religions, believed in one god and dates each of these religions from the Middle East. Also, many use, norms and values match. Museum park Orientalis wants with her exhibitions contribute to change in the multicultural society, understanding through knowledge to offer and to give people the feeling guest in other religions. This was also the impetus for the change of name. The biblical heritage museum aroused with his name the impression a museum about Christianity.

Lifelike

In the outdoor museum walk you in a wooded area along settlements that are inspired by places in the Middle East. You’ll find authentic-looking houses, shops and places of worship. They are decorated as if the inhabitants just walked away. Via small exhibitions in showcase cabinets, slide and film screenings, you will become acquainted with their culture and religion. Outside you meet the ‘ inhabitants ‘ of the museum. Permanently present: livestock as camels, Syrian goat (with their remarkably long ears), cattle, chickens and donkeys. On fixed days: in previous nomination local volunteers who are tea, bread and cookies for you, your hand with henna painting, ancient writing or other crafts demonstration. Nice is that some of them are actually from the Middle East are coming!

Middle East

During the guided tour you will visit Beth Judah (a Jewish farming village), a Caravanserai (an Oriental Inn where travellers rest and goods be skipped), Tell Arab (an Arab trade and fishing village), Via Orientalis (a melting pot of Arabic, Greek, Egyptian, Jewish, and Roman houses) and Ain Ibrahiem (a Bedouin camp). There sounds local music, there is a little dusty and there burning wood fire. You will feel like you really, even if only for a minute, in the Middle East!

More information

Doom laan 2

6564 BL Heilig landstichting

024 – 382 31 10

www.museumparkorientalis.nl

Tuesday-Sunday 10-17 hours (half Mar-Oct)

Orientalis is grown. Expected reopening: spring 2011

admission: € 6-€ 10 (museumjaarkaart valid)

Fun facts

* From mid december to early January, the museum is also open. Inside you will find an annual changing Christmas exhibition place. Between Christmas and new year you evening with Chinese lanterns outside museum visits, where Bedouins, shepherds and soothsayers point the way.

* Fixed The residents you meet during the school holidays, weekends and holidays. Beyond only on Wednesday and Thursday.

* The Roman Inn in Via Orientalis has an attractive range of Oriental snacks and meals, such as falafel and Jewish lentil soup.

More mystical museums

Do you want to read more about mystical museums and/or museums about religious heritage? Visit the special ‘ Mystical ‘ museums.