The Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., is preparing to host a major international exhibition highlighting Jordan’s biblical and Christian heritage after signing an agreement with the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on Aug. 1.
Titled “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity,” the exhibition will present archaeological discoveries and historic materials connected to the development of Christianity in present-day Jordan. The collection was previously displayed at the Vatican and later in Assisi, Italy, according to a social media announcement from the Embassy of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Washington, D.C.
The exhibit will feature a number of prominent biblical locations, including Bethany Beyond the Jordan, recognized by UNESCO as the traditional site of Jesus Christ’s baptism, as well as Machaerus, which is linked to John the Baptist. Other sites represented will include Umm Qais, the ancient churches of Rehab, the Aqaba Church, the churches of Petra, Um er-Rasas and Madaba, which is widely known for its ancient mosaics.
One of the featured pieces will be a replica of the Madaba Map, an early pilgrimage map that helped travelers navigate sites associated with events recorded in the Bible. “This pilgrimage map served as a roadmap for walking the path of those individuals who are in the Bible,” museum President and CEO Dr. Carlos Campo said.
Campo said organizers hope the exhibit will encourage visitors not only to learn about the map but also to travel to Jordan to view the original at St. George’s Church in Madaba and visit other biblical locations referenced in the exhibition.
Beyond its archaeological displays, the program will include educational components focused on Jordan’s history and the preservation of Christian pilgrimage destinations throughout the country.
The exhibition also comes as Jordan prepares for worldwide observances marking the 2,000th anniversary of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist. The commemoration is expected to bring renewed international attention to Bethany Beyond the Jordan, also known as Al-Maghtas.
Campo said the museum also plans to emphasize the significance of John the Baptist in the early ministry of Jesus, including the importance of Machaerus, the site traditionally associated with John’s death. “This archaeological site is one of the best-preserved sites directly connected to the Bible anywhere,” he said.
The exhibition is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027 and is expected to remain available to visitors through the summer, according to Campo.
