Construction Update: First-Century Jerusalem Model Continues to Take Shape

by Ken Ham on March 10, 2024
Featured in Ken Ham Blog

Construction of the massive model of first-century Jerusalem is well underway. Artists from AiG’s design team continue to work on this exciting project that involves producing a large, extremely accurate scale model of first-century Jerusalem. This model will eventually be housed in the Jerusalem building currently under construction at the Ark Encounter and scheduled to open in 2026.

But how can our design team produce all the model houses and 15,000 human figures, along with trees, animals, and so on? Well, they have come up with a way to mass produce walls in a way sort of like LEGO® blocks.

First of all, the various walls for the houses and other structures are sculptured using a computer. Then the walls are produced using a SiOCAST thermoplastic resin injection molding machine. This is how they make the mini walls. They prep a mold for casting, applying talcum powder to help the parts release from the mold. The mold is then placed into the center of the injection molding machine. Melted plastic is forced into the mold and held under pressure until cooled. Within only a few minutes, the parts are cast and cooled, ready to be stored for the creation of the Jerusalem model.

  • Various walls are sculptured using a computer.
  • Prepping a mold for casting, applying talcum powder.
  • Prepping a mold for casting, applying talcum powder.
  • The mold is placed into the center of the injection molding machine.
  • Finished wall cast
  • Finished wall piece
  • Bins with different wall pieces

This model will be used to show how archaeology confirms the Bible’s history and will allow guests to follow the life and teachings of Jesus, including a presentation of the saving gospel. The model will be about 2,000 sq. ft. in area and divided into three sections so people can walk around each section.

The artists are also working on the construction of miniature bushes and trees. They are still in the concept phase, where they are trying different materials to emulate the desert terrain of Israel. Tens of thousands of these little trees and bushes will need to be made for the Jerusalem model.

  • Artist working on Jeruslaem model
  • Jerusalem Model
  • Various bushes and tree models
  • Artist working on Jeruslaem model
  • Artist putting vegetation in model
  • Artist working on Jeruslaem model
  • Diorama next to reference image
  • Artist working on Jeruslaem model
  • Artist working on Jeruslaem model

It does take quite a long time to produce such a high-quality, accurate model. But AiG is always forging ahead with various resources to reach the world with the truth of God’s Word and the gospel.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.

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