Melissa Golden

PROJECTS: The Holy Land Experience

In the multi-billion dollar religious tourism industry, The Holy Land Experience is a notable destination in North America. The park is designed to give its visitors a feel for ancient Jerusalem, but with more singing, dancing and scale models. It stages regular re-enactments of stories from the Bible and attempts to provide an interactive experience for its visitors which range from families and church groups seeking a Christian holiday to intrigued tourists looking for something different in the Orlando theme park landscape.

The park was founded by Baptist minister and Messianic Jew Marv Rosenthal, opening its doors in February 2001. In 2007, Trinity Broadcasting Network took over the fiscally troubled park which now attracts approximately 250,000 to 300,000 visitors annually.

  
Smile of a Child Adventure Garden
   
Jerusalem Model A.D. 66
     
  
Jerusalem Model A.D. 66 - Temple Plaza detail
   
Entrance to the Tiny Town of Bethlehem model
   
A woman takes a picture of a statue behind topiary that reads "He is risen."
     
  
   
Walking over fake blood stains from the "Behold the Lamb" Passion Drama which re-enacts the crucifixion of Christ.
   
Jonah in the belly of the whale.
     
  
Visitors in the Smile of a Child Adventure Land garden.
   
Goats atop the Dead Sea Qumran Caves.
   
Dinosaurs and their keeper aboard a miniature replica of Noah's Ark.
     
  
   
A child points out the Ten Commandments to her family.
   
     
  
   
Church of All Nations Prayer Garden.
   
     
  
My first communion.