Seven Teams Shortlisted for Jordan’s Landmark “Christian-Yet-Welcoming” Baptism Museum
A prestigious shortlist of seven architectural teams has been announced for the design of a “Christian-centric yet inclusive” museum in Bethany, Jordan. This $30 million anchor project will serve as a literal and symbolic gateway to Al-Maghtas, the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the East Bank of the Jordan River, officially known as “Bethany Beyond the Jordan.”
A Pilgrimage Destination with Global Significance
The Baptism Site is one of Jordan’s most-visited Christian pilgrimage locations, attracting hundreds of thousands annually. The new museum, slated to open in 2030 coinciding with the millennial celebration of Jesus’ baptism—aims to boost visitor numbers to an estimated 400,000–450,000 guests per year.
The Competition: A Blend of Storytelling and Sacred Architecture
Organized by Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC), the competition calls for a “story-driven museum” that reflects the spiritual resonance of the site. The shortlisted firms, selected by the client board (a nonprofit land development foundation), include:
- AAU Anastas (Palestine/France/Jordan)
- Heneghan Peng Architects (Ireland)
- Niall McLaughlin Architects (UK)
- Studio Anne Holtrop (Bahrain/Netherlands)
- Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO (Mexico)
- Toshiko Mori Architect (US)
- Trahan Architects (US)
Each team brings a unique collaborative approach, with experts in landscape design, exhibition curation, engineering, and lighting.
Funding and International Collaboration
The project is partially funded by U.S. donors, including The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, underscoring its global religious significance.
Next Steps: Public Engagement and UNESCO Compliance
Design concepts will be shared with the public this fall, and the winning team will be announced by year’s end. The final design must align with UNESCO’s impact assessment guidelines to preserve the site’s heritage integrity.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This visionary museum project seeks to balance faith, inclusivity, and architectural innovation at one of Christianity’s holiest sites. While the emphasis on narrative-driven design is compelling, the brief could benefit from clearer sustainability benchmarks, given the site’s ecological sensitivity. The inclusion of globally diverse firms from Palestine to Mexico reflects a commendable effort to blend cultural perspectives. Ultimately, the museum promises to be a transformative landmark, bridging ancient spirituality with contemporary design.
Brought to you by the ArchUp Editorial Team
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