In August 2022, after more than 12 years of being open to the public, Bibleworld Museum & Discovery Centre has closed.

Visitors and those curious about Bibleworld can now get a snapshot of what is inside at the entrance. The display includes real and replica items that cover the span of Biblical history.

This life sized photographic reproduction depicts one of 60 glazed brick lions that once adorned an entryway into Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon during the time of the Exile.

Take a journey back in time and view these slides that a kiwi couple, Bob and Shirley, took on their travels to Israel in the early 1960s.

Both adults and children can now have fun dressing as people did in Jesus' day. Our expanded range of clothing includes a Toga, wealthy and working class clothing styles and a range accessories

This wall mural has been installed to provide visitors with a unique photo opportunity. It depicts an ibex or 'wild goat' on the shore of the Dead Sea near En Gedi. King David spent time at En Gedi, in a place known as the Crags of the Wild Goats.

The beginning of 2021 saw Bibleworld get a major upgrade of all its signage. Larger text, new and consistent fonts, clearer images and bold frames make journeying the galleries a more enjoyable experience.

This small cylinder is a copy of one discovered in 1850 that answered several long-held questions regarding the identity and role of Belshazzar in the book of Daniel. Visit Bibleworld to find out more.

Many Bibles throughout the Middle Ages were amazing works of art. The pages of Scripture were beautifully decorated in a process called illumination. Now at Bibleworld, visitors can have a go at illuminating their own portion of Scripture. You can create your own design or take inspiration from the various Bible pages on display at Bibleworld.

The Romans were masters in the art of making glassware. Glass of many colours was used to make items such as bowls, cups, glasses, perfume vials, jewellery and even some of the first basic window panes. This new display at Bibleworld features two Roman jars and a number of coloured bracelet fragments. The glass is displayed in a light box to enhance the colour of some items.

These artefacts have been gifted to Bibleworld and are about 5500 years old. They were used in southern Mesopotamia during the time the city of Uruk was flourishing. The Bible describes Uruk as being part of the kingdom of Nimrod, the great grandson of Noah (Genesis 10:10).

This new 'floor level' model shows people going about their daily tasks. Young children (and parents) can take on the 'can you find it' challenge or can simply explore this model which is packed with things to discover.

Pontius Pilate will forever be remembered for his role in the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. This new display about Pontius Pilate features a replica of what has become known as the Pilate stone. Excavated in Israel in 1961, the real stone provided the first archaeological confirmation of Pilate's existence and his role as Prefect of Judea. Also on display are two real bronze coins that were minted in 29 and 30 AD under Pilate's authority.

You can now follow Bibleworld on Instagram - @bibleworld.rotorua See detail images of our exhibits, illustrated Bible verses and 'Behind the Scenes' posts.

Have you ever wondered what the people mentioned in the early books of the Bible looked like. These replica tiles, now on display at Bibleworld, are copies of five tiles that once adorned the palace of pharaoh Ramses III of Egypt (c1184 - 1153 BC). They depict noblemen from five nations that Rameses III subdued during his reign. From left they depict a Syrian (Aramean), a Philistine, an Amorite, a Hittite and a Nubian (Cushite).

We have two new uniquely New Zealand additions to our 'Story of Scripture' exhibit - The Bible Society of NZ donated a copy of Te Paipera Tapu (Maori Bible) and Chris Grantham donated a couple of editions of his 'Kiwi Bible' - a modern paraphrase with a distinctly kiwi flavour.

A number of people have asked us over the years how the city of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus compares with the city today. We've come up with one way of answering this question - a 2.5 metre long image of the old city of Jerusalem as it is today. Now visitors can stand behind the model and see the similarities and differences between then and now.

We frequently see in the media images of Moses stumbling down a mountain carrying two huge chunks of rock inscribed with God's law. Recently we installed this replica tablet containing the written law of a ruler called Lipit Ishtar. The original tablet was created 400 years before the time of Moses and contains numerous laws relating to the treatment of slaves and recompense for injured animals. Come and see how big this law tablet is - you may be surprised!

On the 24th May, a huge spinkler pipe burst in our building, flooding the basement to a height of about 50 cm. Bibleworld fortunately was untouched, but there has been substantial damage to the Victoria Grove Costume Hire; and the Wall and Basement Theatre. Please take care around our entrance way as there may be tradespeople and others working to clear up the damage.

We want to encourage our visitors to read the Bible, memorise Bible verses and study the Bible with their friends. Over the last few months we have expanded our website to include some downloadable Bible study resources that we have put together.

This little olive oil lamp is about 2000 years old and was excavated in Israel. It would have been in use at around the time of Jesus. Please touch!

Write out a card with a favourite Bible verse, add your name and pin it to our board. We love coming in and seeing new additions to the board and we love seeing verses written in a range of languages.

At Bibleworld, we want to encourage our visitors with reading and memorizing their Bibles. We have a small range of Scripture memory resources and Bible reading plans for purchase.

This tiny replica on display at Bibleworld illustrates an ongoing debate. It is a copy of an item placed on display at the Israel Museum in the late 1980s. It was described as the only known artefact from Solomon's temple. However over the last 15 years there have been questions raised about its authenticity. Come and read the story and see what you think.

Imagine walking in the ancient Persian palace at Susa and seeing the beautiful glazed brick artwork that Esther and Nehemiah saw. This print depicts several soldiers from the king's army and shows us the artwork Esther and Nehemiah enjoyed.

We have brought back an old favourite exhibit. This story of Scripture exhibits some real and replica Bible pages, illustrating how the font, language and format of the Bible has changed over the last 2000 years. This exhibits tells the stories of a few of the many Christians throughout history who have helped to faithfully preserve and pass on the message of the Scriptures. The exhibition includes a real Bible page from c 1250 AD.

This full-size replica depicts the Assyrian King Tiglath Pileser III. In the Bible, he is also called 'Pul' and he causes great destruction to the kingdom of Israel just before the time of Isaiah the prophet (See 2 Kings 15-16). Soon after this time, Isaiah would prophecy of a much brighter future: 'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. On those walking in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.' (Isaiah 9:2).

We have moved - Just down the road to 1141 Eruera Street. Come and visit our new, larger premises with expanded exhibits (plus all your old favourites). A long ramp to the front entrance provides easier access for everyone!

This very detailed model shows a row of "Four Roomed" or "Pillared" houses typical of city housing during the Old Testament period. Each house features a particular trade common during the period including: farming, weaving, pottery making and carpentry.

This new interactive map depicts the land that Jesus knew and travelled. It highlights many of the places Jesus visited, the main routes people travelled and some other significant New Testament sites.