WASHINGTON — In celebration of the holiday season, Museum of the Bible has transformed its Grand Hall into a Christmas Light Spectacular crafted by the same New York-based creative team who brings the Macy’s windows to life each year.

Now through January 8, intricate light sculptures, handcrafted Nativities, digital displays, music, art, and live performers come together for a one-of-a-kind retelling of the Christmas story at Museum of the Bible. The design was inspired by the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three wise men to Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2.

“This light sculpture installation is the first part of our Christmas story,” said Karen Poth, Creative Director for Museum of the Bible. “We are so excited to work with the very talented designers and engineers at Standard Transmission, and our hope is to continue to add on to this offering each year, creating a one-of-a-kind light sculpture display throughout the whole museum that will become a new family tradition in Washington.”

The display features unique, custom-designed light sculptures focused on key events and scenes celebrating the birth of Jesus. Beneath a special star animation on the digital ceiling, the museum’s Living History Interpreters perform retelling of the Nativity Story. These regularly scheduled daily performances are included with general admission.

Two 16-foot LED arches frame the path to a modern interpretation of the Star of Bethlehem at the center of the light display. The star’s points slowly rotate and refract light through the Grand Hall while, behind the star, a series of light sculpture angels are suspended over the lobby at the museum’s main staircase.

“If ever we needed the hope of Christmas, it’s in 2020,” said Harry Hargrave, CEO of Museum of the Bible. “We hope our Christmas programming and spectacular light displays will help everyone who walks through our doors put 2020 into perspective and look with hope to the year ahead.” 

More information on Museum of the Bible is available here.