Religion and Culture in Orientalis

The three monotheistic religions and the culture of the Middle East are the points of focus in Museumpark Orientalis. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all claim Abraham to be their patriarch, giving them a shared foundation. With Abraham the spectacular history of these three religions begins; three religions that have shaped the world in unimaginable ways. In our museum we make this history come to life.

Our desert shows the way of life of the Bedouins: a nomadic existence with few possessions, such as canvas for their tents and some cattle for their sustenance. Abraham and many of his offspring lived in this way. Eventually they gave birth to what we now call Judaism. In the village Beth Juda, the Jewish religion, culture and history … Just outside this village, the birth of Jesus is depicted in a ‘birth cave’. Then, in the Roman city street in our Jerusalem the beginnings of Christianity are shown through a reconstruction of an early Christian house church, a Sanhedrin, (Jewish council of judges), and various examples of other Mediterranean cultures of the time: Greek, Roman and Egyptian. In the Arabic fishing village Omani, Islam takes center stage. With a mosque and a suq (marketplace), the public life in an Islamic village is portrayed. Finally, our main building is home to various fascinating expositions to make the authentic experience complete.

In other words, Museumpark Orientalis makes the culture and monotheistic religions of the Middle East come to life in a unique way. History, religious belief and different ways of life come together in an authentic environment that combines nature with architecture. For this reason it is the preeminent place to not only learn about culture and religion, but more importantly, to experience them. This is also why the museum is very suitable for children, who can learn in a playful way about topics they often find too dull to simply hear or read about.

This spring, Museumpark Orientalis is all about (search) tour, literally and figuratively. From 7 April to 4 June you will, among other things, look for the meaning of 'Piëta' and search for the collection of Easter eggs that are hidden throughout the museum park.

Museum Park Orientalis offers space for the search for the meaning of life. In this context, the exhibition 'Piëta' can be seen, among other things. Various artists were inspired by this well-known theme and went in search of what it means to them. The result is an intimate and moving exhibition about compassion and loss. Paintings, photographs and videos show the artists' experiences, which turn out to be very universal.
You can also literally search at the same time in the various villages of the museum park. The special collection of Easter eggs is exhibited 'hidden'. Play egg bingo and try to find them all.
There is also an extra program every weekend and during the school holidays. Children's theatre, a fire breather and various workshops, among other things, make the museum visit extra fun during these days. There is also a free pilgrim's bag ready for every family at the entrance. This allows children to go on a (search) trip through the museum park.
Museum Park Orientalis is open again for individual visits from April 7 to June 4. On days when no extra program is organised, the museum park can be visited at a reduced rate. For the current opening hours and admission prices, see www.museumparkorientalis.nl.

 

Experience the museum

In 2023 we're open

april 7 to june 4  

july 22 to september 10

october 14 to october 29

december 16 to january 7 2024

Open from tuesday to sunday

Our office is limetedly open from Monday till Thursday. For further information; 0031-24-3823110 or info@museumparkorientalis.nl.

Welcome to Museumpark Orientalis – Heilig Landstichting! Here the colourful world of Judaism, Christianity and Islam comes to life. Architecture and nature meet in this museum, which stretches out over 30 hectares. Experience different cultures and religions in an educative and playful way in our Jewish and Arabic village, our desert and Karavanserai, and our Roman city street.