Trahan, Toshiko Mori, Tatiana Bilbao among Museum of Jesus’ Baptism competition shortlist

The Foundation for the Development of the Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site has announced the seven international design teams shortlisted to create a new museum honoring Jesus Christ’s baptism at Bethany, Jordan. Scheduled to open in 2030, the Museum of Jesus’ Baptism will mark the 2,000th anniversary of the event and is intended to become a significant spiritual and cultural destination.

The project is located next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) on the east bank of the Jordan River, a long-standing Christian pilgrimage site. The museum will present a story-led visitor experience focused on the history and significance of baptism in Christianity. Surrounded by preserved wilderness, the facility will aim to serve both as a literal and symbolic gateway to the pilgrimage path leading to the Jordan River. The museum is expected to receive 400,000 to 450,000 visitors annually.

The shortlisted design teams are:

• AAU Anastas (Palestine/France/Jordan)
• heneghan peng architects (Ireland)
• Níall McLaughlin Architects (UK)
• Studio Anne Holtrop (Bahrain/Netherlands)
• Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO (Mexico)
• Toshiko Mori Architect (US)
• Trahan Architects (US)

The museum will form part of the Baptism Development Zone master plan, with a construction budget of approximately $30 million. 

Concept designs will be revealed in fall 2025, with the winning team announced by the end of this year.