Noah's Ark Lands in the Netherlands

Johan Huibers’ one-fifth-scale replica of the famous boat opened its big door to visitors last Saturday in the Dutch city of Schagen. The replica was built “mostly with [Huibers’s] own hands” as “a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.”

The Associated Press describes the cedar-and-pine Ark replica in “old biblical measurements,” putting it at “150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide […] two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house.” Huibers began construction just two years ago.

Unsurprisingly, the AP reports visitors “stunned” reaction to the Ark replica. One quotation is particularly telling:

“It’s past comprehension,” said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw the ark looming over the local landscape.

“I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.”

If people are so surprised at the size of a one-fifth-scale replica of the Ark, imagine the awe that the real Ark would inspire!

If people are so surprised at the size of a one-fifth-scale replica of the Ark, imagine the awe that the real Ark would inspire! Yet sadly, ignorance of the size of the Ark has led many to doubt the historicity of the Flood account in Genesis. Flooded by images of small, sea-unworthy “bathtub arks,” many assume the true Ark could never have accommodated enough animal life. In reality, careful consideration of the actual size of the Ark, its dimensions, and the animals it was required to host confirms the historicity of the Ark account.

We applaud Huibers for his stand for truth and the hard work he invested in what we hope is an evangelistic effort.1 Huibers’ Ark contains a 50-seat film theater, life-size models of numerous animals, and various exhibits, and will eventually host a top-deck petting zoo.

Meanwhile, stateside, the Creation Museum is set to open in less than one month (May 28). The museum will include a replica of a “small” section of the Ark, in addition to a slew of other fascinating “scenes” from the Bible, science exhibits, and interactive activities.

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