Museum of Biblical Art, Dallas

The Museum of Biblical Art in Dallas is a fascinating look at the world of religious history and art. It features European and American art across 11 galleries, showcasing sculptures, drawings, paintings and a collection of rare bibles.

Inside the walls of the museum lies the National Center for Jewish Art, my favorite of the exhibits. The collection features dozens of paintings and other works depicting various parts of Jewish tradition and the Old Testament. The Odds and Ends gallery was also fascinating, as the works depicted traditional Jewish and Christian mythology, but added a bit of contemporary flair. Some of the most enjoyable pieces were the ones that swapped out the characters and clothing of popular Bible characters with modern-day life.

The museum also features a variety of sections showcasing art from Hispanic, Israeli, and African artists, though they’re not as extensive as the American and European collections. One of the true highlights for me was the restoration wing of the museum. Here, they walk guests through the process of restoring old works.

The Rare Bibles and Manuscripts gallery was also delightful and showcased the first edition of the King James Bible, the Benton Gospels AD 950, and a page from the Gutenberg Bible.

As a non-religious visitor, I found the museum inviting and educational, and a must for anyone with an interest in religious history in the United States and around the world.