Museum of Biblical Art (New York City) facts for kids
The Museum of Biblical Art (MOBIA) was a special museum in Manhattan, New York City. It closed its doors in 2015. This museum was all about exploring how the Bible has influenced art, especially Jewish and Christian art, throughout history.
MOBIA started as an art gallery in 1997. It was located inside the American Bible Society building. In 2005, on May 12, it became its own independent museum.
The museum wanted to be a top place for understanding art and the Bible. It did this by showing how religion has shaped art. MOBIA offered cool exhibits and learning programs for visitors. Even though it grew from the American Bible Society, it was not a religious place itself. It didn't take sides on religious beliefs.
In April 2015, MOBIA announced it would close in June. The museum couldn't find a new home. It had been paying only $1 in rent at the American Bible Society building. But the American Bible Society was moving to Philadelphia, so MOBIA had to find a new spot.
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Where Was the Museum Located?
The Museum of Biblical Art was on the second floor of the American Bible Society's main building. This building was at Broadway and 61st Street in Manhattan. It was located between Columbus Circle and Lincoln Center on the Upper West Side.
The museum had a main exhibition area that was about 2,500 square feet (232 square meters). It also had an education center, about 1,100 square feet (102 square meters). This center was used for talks, concerts, and fun activities for kids. Randall Goya and Sara Lopergolo from G&L Architects designed these spaces.
In 2015, the American Bible Society decided to sell its New York building. They planned to move to Philadelphia. Because of this, MOBIA had to look for a new location. Sadly, they couldn't find one. The museum closed permanently on June 14, 2015.
What Exhibitions Did MOBIA Have?
The Museum of Biblical Art usually presented four different exhibitions each year. These shows explored how faith, or sometimes the lack of it, connected with art.
Early Exhibitions
MOBIA's very first exhibition was called "Coming Home!: Self-taught Artists, the Bible, and the American South." It featured 95 artworks by 73 artists. This show looked at how the Bible influenced art made by self-taught artists in the American South.
Later, there was "The Next Generation: Contemporary Expressions of Faith." This exhibit focused on modern religious art and artists. Another show, "Let There Be Light: Oil Lamps from the Holy Land," displayed ancient clay oil lamps. These lamps were on loan from the Bible Lands Museum in Jerusalem.
Exploring the King James Bible
An exhibition called "On Eagles' Wings: The King James Bible Turns 400" explored a famous book. It looked at the history and huge impact of the King James Bible. This Bible is considered one of the most important books in the English language.
The exhibit showed how this Bible was translated and published. It also looked at earlier Bibles, like the Bishops' Bible from 1568. The King James translators used the Bishops' Bible as a guide. The exhibition showed how this work has inspired many people over time.
The Painter of Jerusalem
"The Land of Light and Promise: 50 Years Painting Jerusalem and Beyond, Ludwig Blum (1891-1974)" showcased the artist Ludwig Blum. He was known as the "Painter of Jerusalem." Blum moved to Palestine in 1923 from what is now the Czech Republic.
Blum was a trained painter and a veteran of the First World War. He painted many scenes of the Middle East, especially the Holy Land. He captured large landscapes and small street scenes. He showed Palestine, and later Israel, with great love for his new home and its people. He painted Jewish, Christian, and Muslim sites, often without strong religious messages.
Other Notable Shows
Other exhibitions included "Walls Speak: The Narrative Art of Hildreth Meière." There was also "Finding Comfort in Difficult Times: A Selection of Soldiers' Bibles." Another popular show was "Louis C. Tiffany and the Art of Devotion."
For its very last exhibit, MOBIA had its biggest crowds ever. This show featured amazing 15th-century sculptures. These artworks were by famous artists like Donatello, Brunelleschi, Nanni di Banco, and Luca della Robbia. They came from the Florence Cathedral and had never been seen in the United States before.
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