Holy Land Experience

Re-enactment of the crucifixion

The Holy Land Experience (HLE) is a Christian theme park in Orlando, Florida and registered non-profit corporation. HLE conducts weekly church services and bible studies for the general public. HLE’s theme park recreates the architecture and themes of the ancient city of Jerusalem in 1st century Judea. The Holy Land Experience is owned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Jan Crouch is Director and CEO.

History

Founding

Marvin Rosenthal, a Russian/Jewish born Christian minister, purchased the undeveloped property in 1989. Rosenthal founded both the Holy Land Experience and Zion's Hope, which funded the park's initial construction. The park opened in February 2001. The Jewish Defense League protested at the Holy Land Experience on its opening day; the group claimed that the purpose of the park was to convert Jews to Christianity, although Rosenthal denied these claims.

The Scriptorium: Center for Biblical Antiquities

On August 17, 2002, the Holy Land Experience Scriptorium museum opened. It features the Van Kampen Collection of biblically related artifacts. The collection includes ancient scrolls, manuscripts, and early printed editions of the Bible. The collection is the fourth largest of its kind. The Van Kampen Collection was founded in 1986 by Robert and Judith Van Kpen. In 1994 Robert Van Kampen established a privately funded research library for the purpose of presenting the collection to the academic community as well as the general public. The Scriptorium: Center for Christian Antiquities, located in Grand Haven, MI, housed the Collection. In 2002, the Collection relocated to Orlando, where it is on loan to the Holy Land Experience.

Trinity Broadcasting Network ownership

Main article: Trinity Broadcasting Network

In June 2007, the Holy Land Experience Board of Directors sold the property to the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), for an estimated $37 million. The property was an estimated $8 million in debt at the time of the sale. A that time TBN planned to update the park and use the property to build a Central Florida broadcasting facility, and a movie studio in order to produce Christian films.

On August 21, 2007, former president and board member, Tom Powell, resigned his position to seek "new challenges." Four people remained on the park's board: Paul Crouch Sr., Jan Crouch, Paul Crouch Jr., and Matthew Crouch. Between 50 and 100 employees lost their jobs when they were cut from the payroll in October 2007.

Under TBN’s ownership, The Holy Land Experience underwent construction and the addition of new landscaping, exhibits, restaurants, and theaters which feature live musical and theatrical productions. The park has also introduced weekly bible studies, church services and live cooking demonstrations. The Smile of a Child Adventure Land was added to the park exhibits. This children’s park features exhibits and activities for children, such as a wilderness rock-climbing wall, toy store, children’s theater and craft center.

Holy Land Experience mission statement

HLE is a non-denominational Christian theme park and church. Church services and bible studies are conducted by ordained pastors for the general public on a weekly basis. HLE is registered as a non-profit corporation with the Florida Department of State Division of Corporations.

Church of All Nations

In 2012, the 2,000 seat Church of All Nations auditorium opened. The facility features live presentations and reenactments of the passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, and the depiction of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ to heaven. Live taping of TBN’s flagship TV show, Praise the Lord, are also taped in facility, in addition to concerts and church services.

Exhibits

There are approximately 40 exhibits in the park, including several restaurants and retail shops.

• Main entrance/City Gate: A stone arch modeled after the Damascus Gate and Jaffa Gate of Jerusalem.

• Jerusalem Street Market: A Middle Eastern marketplace, with city well, and street merchants who interact with guests.

• The Old Scroll Shop: An example of 1st century shopping.

• Wilderness Tabernacle: A High Priest describes Israel’s ancient priesthood, culminating with the Ark of the Covenant.

• Church of All Nations Prayer Garden: Based on the Church of All Nations built in 1924 by the Catholic Church on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. The traditional church depicts a section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest.

• Dead Sea Qumran Caves: Replica of the desert caves where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered.

• The Judean Village: Outdoor vignette stage for dramas and musicals.

• Calvary’s Garden Tomb: A replica of the Garden Tomb where Jesus’ body was laid to rest.

• Oasis Palms Café: A cafe with an authentic Middle Eastern atmosphere.

• Temple Plaza: A six story, white and gold temple, which was the center of Jerusalem’s religious life, serves as a backdrop for the Temple Plaza. It hosts live musicals, presentations, and events.

• Last Supper Communion: Guests may partake of the last supper with Jesus and disciples.

• Jerusalem Model 66 A.D.: The world’s largest indoor model of Jerusalem. Presentations explain the city’s landmarks and Christ’s final days in Jerusalem.

• The Shofar Shop: A gift shop.

• Shofar Auditorium: A state-of-the-art venue for dramas, musicals, and presentations.

• The Scriptorium: A presentation of the history of the Bible, including authentic, ancient artifacts from around the world.

• Living Word Prayer Garden: Gardens for resting, reflecting and praying.

• Crystal Living Waters: A dancing waters presentation.

• The Jesus Boat: Replica of a boat found in the Sea of Galilee, dating back to the time of Christ.

Tax status

There was a four-year legal fight concerning unpaid property taxes that Orange County Property Appraiser Bill Donegan alleged were owed. Donegan argued that the Holy Land Experience is a theme park. Donegan dropped his fight after state lawmakers passed a law in 2006 granting a tax exemption for theme parks that display, exhibit, illustrate and interpret biblical manuscripts. This is similar to the tax exemption for museums that present historical information on other subjects. The law prevented Orange County from collecting the alleged back taxes as well as forgiving the park $300,000 in yearly property taxes. The law requires the park to offer an annual free admissions day.

See also

• Holy Land USA, a similar park in Connecticut.
• Tierra Santa, a similar park in Argentina

External links

• Holy Land Experience