The Scriptorium at HLE, a Veritable Treasure Trove of Biblical Antiquities 

Contacts: Krystal Collazo, WDC Media, 877-862-3600, 786-566-2452, KC@wdcmedia.com; Joan V. Blair, The Holy Land Experience, 321-206-6034, jblair@tbn.org, www.tbn.org 

ORLANDO, Fl., Jan. 29 /Standard Newswire/ -- The Holy Land Experience (HLE) houses the world's largest private collection of biblical artifacts. There's simply nothing else like it in Florida...or in the entire United States.

HLE is the only place tourists and Floridians alike can go to learn, explore, and experience real history in a theme park atmosphere. A $12-million-dollar center for biblical antiquities, HLE's Scriptorium captures what we've all read about in our history books and bibles, and brings it to life. It's like stepping into a time machine, and traveling back 4000 years in time.

A walk-through experience and automated tour, the Scriptorium helps visitors learn about the many people who were imprisoned – and even savagely murdered – for simply owning a bible. The entire museum is a testament to, and a celebration of, those who struggled and died in the relentless battle to make the Bible available to all who sought its solace...the blood stained pages of a martyr's bible tell just part of the story of these brave, committed women and men.

The Scriptorium houses the Van Kampen Collection, which includes some of the world's most enigmatic biblical artifacts. Privately owned by Robert and Judith Van Kampen, the collection was founded in 1986 as an expression of the couple's passionate commitment to God and his word. This collection – along with other Scriptorium artifacts – illustrates the lasting effect of biblical history upon our world.

But the Holy Land is not just about the Bible; HLE's Scriptorium takes visitors on a historical journey that reveals the fascinating origins of the Holy Bible, while at the same time illustrating the parallels between the Bible and the entire history of our civilization.

Included in the Scriptorium's artifacts from around the globe are Babylonian pieces dating back four millennium; cuneiforms; scrolls; codices; manuscripts; and other religious antiquities. There is also a display of the ten commandments; a painting collection depicting biblical men and women of God; and rare editions of William Tyndale's English Bible, a copy of the Wyclif Gospel, and portions of Gutenberg's 42-line Bible.

In addition, featured exhibits are on display in the rotating exhibit located off the Scriptorium bookstore. A genuine learning environment, these exhibits offer guests a hands-on understanding of bible history by appealing to their sense of sight, sound, and touch.

Currently in the rotating exhibit, A Day in the Life of a Monk journeys to a monastery giving guests a taste of medieval monks' daily lives. An up-close and personal video features the musings of a young monk as he contemplates monastic life. Visitors participate in sounding the monastery bell, and creating souvenir impressions of a page printed in 1473.  

Gate price includes all park activities (except dining and shopping) during operating hours: exhibits, musical dramas, presentations, special guests performances or guest speakers, and the movie theatre. Parking, wheelchairs, and strollers are free; special rates are offered to pre-booked bus groups. January hours: 10AM to 6PM; Sundays 1PM to 8PM; closed Tuesdays. Hours of operation are subject to change. For details, go to http://www.holylandexperience.com/guest_services/seasonal_hours.html.

HLE is owned by TBN (Trinity Broadcasting Network), the largest Christian television network with thousands of TV and cable affiliates worldwide, including WHLV TV 52 in Orlando. For more information call the Holy Land Experience 1-407-872-2272 or visit us online at www.holylandexperience.com. HLE is located at 4655 Vineland Road, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A., 32811.

About The Holy Land Experience (HLE)
The Holy Land Experience bases its ministry on reaching out to visitors through the innovative use of music, drama, and historical presentations. Bringing together the sights, sounds, and tastes of the Bible world in a unique and interactive way. Educational in nature, HLE's structures and exhibits characterize the style, architecture, and settings of ancient Jerusalem; lively presentations provide visitors with an understanding of their biblical significance. Inspirational and theatrical re-creations of the ministry of Jesus, stories from the Old Testament, miracles, and triumphs, will move the spirit of HLE's guests. For more information on the Holy Land Experience, visit www.holylandexperience.com.