Holy Land Experience

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The Holy Land Experience is both a theme park and a biblical museum located in Orlando, Florida. The 15 million dollar, 15-acre attraction features several exhibits and presentations that revolve around Old and New Testament themes.^[1] The employees wear period costumes, such as Roman soldier garb or coarse-robes.

In June 2007 the Trinity Broadcasting Network purchased the bible-themed adventure park for $37 million.^[2] It had sagging ticket sales and an estimated $8 million debt. TBN plans to upgrade the facility by adding a television studio for its recently purchased Orlando TV-52 television channel, as well as other attractions. The Holy Land's local administrative departments will be phased out to TBN's California headquarters as it becomes possible. In October nearly 100 employees were cut from the payroll.^[3]

On August 21, 2007, Holy Land Experience President and boardmember Tom Powell resigned his position to seek out "new challenges." His departure leaves just four people on the park's board, Paul Crouch Sr., Jan Crouch, Paul Crouch Jr., and Matthew Crouch. Paul Crouch Jr. was named the park's new president in early August.^[4]

1 Exhibits
2 Controversy
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Exhibits

Jerusalem street market
Dead Sea Scrolls caves
Herod's Temple
Tomb of Jesus
Scriptorium - houses what is claimed to be the world's largest collection of rare and sacred Biblical artifacts, owned by the family trust of Robert Van Kampen
Jerusalem Model A.D. 66 - In the Zions Hope building contains the largest indoor model of Jerusalem in the world. Measuring 25 by 49 feet, this piece was originally created by Dr. Gary G. Cohen, of south Florida, and was slightly modified in order to fit the message of the park.

[edit] Controversy

Holy Land was funded and built by Zion's Hope, which led to controversy and protest on its opening day. The founder, Reverend Marvin Rosenthal, a Baptist minister who was born Jewish, was criticized by local Jewish groups who claimed the real purpose of the park was to convert Jewish people to Christianity. Rev. Rosenthal denied that claim and stated the criticism came from those who haven't actually visited the attraction.