Holy Land Experience facts for kids
The Holy Land Experience (HLE) is registered as a Christian-based 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 Judah. The Holy Land Experience is owned by the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
History
The park has its origin in a dream of Marvin Rosenthal, a Jew of Russian origin who became a Baptist pastor, founder of the missionary organization Zion's Hope, who bought land in Orlando in 1989. The park opened in February 2001.
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 Kampen. 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.
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. At 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. Jan Crouch was Director and CEO until her death in May 2016.
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 living biblical museum 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 the facility, in addition to concerts and church services.
Exhibits
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There are approximately 43 exhibits in the park.
In February 2020, after a sharp decline in revenue for several years, the park announced that it would be laying off 118 employees, representing most of its staff, and would be ending all theatrical productions, restaurants and retail shops.
See also
In Spanish: Holy Land Experience para niños
