
The exhibit has just been extended through March — get 20% off tickets while you can!
While there’s no shortage of fascinating history in Atlanta, you might be scouring the city for the latest exhibit that will fill your mind with knowledge. Well, history buffs rejoice! Discovering the World of Jesus is Pullman Yards’ newest collection of artifacts dating back 2,000 years.
The exhibition is the first ever to step foot in the U.S., presenting tangible relics that will grant a deeper understanding of Jesus and his followers. Want a glimpse of what awaits? We put together a list of some artifacts you’ll find during your visit to the captivating exhibit:
1. The Ossuary of Zechariah the Priest
This first century ossuary, or bone box, is believed to lay to rest the bones of Zechariah the Priest, father of John the Baptist. The name and engravings on the relic’s sides suggest it may have belonged to a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem, of which Zechariah was an active and respected member.
2. The Ossuary of James (Ya’acov), brother of Jesus
A study among archaeologists revealed this bone box to be “one of the most important archeological discoveries ever made in Israel.” Authenticated through advanced research and testing, the artifact proves to be authentic — granting us even more insight into the funeral rites of the time period.
3. The Nativity Reliquary
This piece of historical evidence stands out as the earliest known depiction of Nativity (the birth of Jesus). It’s believed to be from the 3rd or 4th century, dating back to just a few centuries after Jesus.
4. The Earliest Model of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher
This relic is one that inspires so much awe. A 4th century artifact illustrating the tomb of Jesus and its rotunda, it’s adorned with intricate engravings. It’s easily one of the most stunning relics of the exhibit, and a must see.
5. A synagogue’s Chancel Screen
This screen depicts a seven-branched menorah, reflecting early synagogue art. The grapes and vine design are impressive and transport us back in time, once more, to the time of Jesus’s ministry.
So many more artifacts await at Discovering the World of Jesus, including a first-century strigil linked to Paul’s brother Rufus, and the earliest depiction of the facade of the Temple in Jerusalem dating back to the time of Jesus. The art and historical relics paint a vivid picture of what it might have been like in Jesus’s day, during one of the most fascinating moments in history.