American Bible Society To Open New Faith and Liberty Discovery Center

The American Bible Society is making a new contribution to Philadelphia’s global and economic impact with their Faith and Liberty Discovery Center. The new project, which broke ground on December 13, aims to help citizens and tourists alike to understand the importance of the Bible, and how it has changed those who changed America. (Photo credit: American Bible)

The Faith and Liberty Discovery Center will feature galleries looking at the relationship between religion, politics and law. The new building will be located in the heart of Philadelphia’s historic district, on the ground floor and concourse levels of the Wells Fargo Building on 5^th and Market, just a stone’s throw from Independence Hall.

A team of historians, legal scholars, and theology experts from different religious groups have been tasked with creating content for the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center. One of the team members, American University professor Daniel Driesbach, said: “This is America’s most historic square mile, and it will now display the three documents that shaped America – the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bible.”

The new Center will not open until 2020, but a groundbreaking ceremony followed by a behind-the-scenes sneak peek tour took place on December 13.

Construction of the Center is being led by award-winning firm Local Projects, which recently spearheaded the 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York. The Center’s architectural design is being led by the Philadelphia principals of JacobsWyper Architects.

The project will cost around $60million, and according to Econsult Solutions, will create 540 temporary jobs and drive $110million in economic impact. It is also expected to draw more tourists to the city. According to consumer behavior research and strategic consulting firm America’s Research Group, 59% of Americans surveyed along the East coast said the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center would motivate them to visit Philadelphia.

When the Faith and Liberty Discovery Center opens its doors in 2020, it is sure to become another popular destination in Philadelphia’s historic Old City.

Article written by Kyle Purchase on behalf of Global Philadelphia Association