A theme park dedicated to the story of Noah’s Ark has opened in Kentucky.
The park features a 510-foot-long, seven-storey wooden replica of Noah’s Ark, filled with exhibits, and also has a zoo.
On an 800-acre site in Williamstown, Ark Encounter was the vision of Ken Ham, president and CEO of creationist Christian group Answers in Genesis.
"In a world that is becoming increasingly secularized and biased, it’s time for Christians to do something of this size and this magnitude," said Ham at the opening.
An independent study by America’s Research Group (ARG) estimates the park will attract between 1.4 million and 2.2 million people in its first year.
Its founders expect perhaps more than 40% of visitors will be non-Christians.
"I believe you’re going to find all sorts of people from all walks of life with all sorts of religious backgrounds who are going to come here," said Ham.
"And even if they don’t share our biblical view, they can’t help but be impressed by the structure, craftsmanship and by the attention to detail of the world-class exhibits inside. And who knows? Maybe they’ll be challenged to even talk about the Bible."
To accommodate the crowds expected within the first few weeks, the Ark will open for ’40 days and nights’ from 9am to midnight, after which time hours will be 10am to 6pm.
Admission is $40 for adults, $31 for seniors and $28 for children; parking is $10.
There will be other ticket options, including combo tickets for the Ark and its sister attraction, the Creation Museum, plus a seven-day unlimited ticket to the Ark and Creation Museum.
The Answers in Genesis group is also behind The Creation Museum in Petersburg, 40 miles from the Ark Encounter, which has been visited by over 2.6 million guests since opening in 2007.
