Today my daughter and I joined my mom, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and baby nephew for a walk through the Bible at Biblewalk in Mansfield, Ohio. I’ve visited with my children for field trips several times over the course of the last ten years and have always enjoyed our visits.
Biblewalk is a ministry of Diamond Hill Cathedral and is located on the same property as the church. It claims to be the only full-size wax museum in Ohio with over 300 figures depicting 70 dramatized and narrated scenes spread among four tours.
The titles are pretty self explanatory:
- Miracles of the Old Testament
- Life of Christ
- Christian Martyrs
- Heart of the Reformation
- Our tour began with a video showing the history of the museum, how the vision began and how volunteers came together to fulfill that dream. Both the Miracles of the Old Testament and Life of Christ are 60 minute tours that end in the chapel where the message of the gospel is presented.
The Christian Martyrs and Heart of the Reformation are the newest tours that are each 30 minutes in length.
In addition to the tours there are are also several collections on display, including rare Bibles, religious wood carvings and a Christian art gallery.
A few tips:
Each tour is handicap and stroller accessible. Though you walk through the tours there are benches along the way that you are able to sit on at any time if you prefer not to stand (I fully took advantage of the benches).
Some of the scenes may be a bit graphic and frightening for young children. My son told me that the crucifixion and scene of Hell (in the Life of Christ) both gave him nightmares when he was little (think Kindergarten) for this reason, I would avoid the Life of Christ tour until your child is about 9 years old or older.
We did three tours that took us 2 1/2 hours. This may be a bit much for younger children so you’ll want to select tours according to their interest level.
Photographs are prohibited in the exhibits so no picture taking!
Visiting Information:
Biblewalk
500 Tingley Avenue
Mansfield, Ohio 44905
Biblewalk is conveniently located minutes from State Route 30.
Phone: 419-524-0139
Website: http://www.livingbiblemuseum.org/
Hours: Vary slightly by season, check current hours here.
Prices: Prices for the Miracles of the Old Testament and Life of Christ are $5.50 per person with discounted admission for seniors, students, groups, large families and AAA members.
Christian Martyrs and the Heart of the Reformation are $4.75 with the same discounts in place.
Children under the age of 5 are free in all tours. Discounts are also given for purchasing tickets to all four tours. You can view the rate breakdown here.