The Museum of World Religions is a landmark project with a far-reaching mission–to further world peace through understanding others’ traditions and beliefs. This state-of-the-art facility features seven uniquely crafted media environments. Ethereal soundtracks will provide transitional zones to help visitors leave the outside world behind and prepare for the journey ahead. Origins, a signature film with sweeping scope, incorporates stunning visuals and breathtaking sound design to explore origin myths that lie at the heart of many religious traditions. Visitors will also take an immersive multi-screen journey through the rituals of passage which mark the human life cycle around the globe; they will hear moments of spiritual awakening described by interviewees from many different cultures and traditions; and they can explore the role and function of meditation and prayer in various religious traditions. The final step and the grandest space in the museum is the Great Hall, where 12-foot tall video towers, “fed” by 10 synchronous streams of high definition video display rituals and sacred places from the world’s major religious traditions.

Exhibition Design: Ralph Appelbaum Associates