Museum of the Bible Partners with Israeli Antiquities Authority to Carry Holy Land Relics

The Museum of the Bible, slated to open in Washington, D.C. in 2017, recently announced that it will be partnering with the Israeli Antiquities Authority to display ancient artifacts from the Holy Land.

The artifacts and treasures will have a long-term residence at the upcoming $400 million museum opening near the National Mall.

Jacob Fisch, the executive director of the Friends of the Israel Antiquities Authority, told the Associated Press in a statement that the partnership will be "scientifically based, research based."

"We share one mission, and that's telling the story that is based on the archaeological material," Fisch told the AP in a statement. "We're very scientifically based, research based."

"We have a lot of exhibits that travel around the world. We have a long-term exhibit at the Met," he said. "But we don't have our own gallery in which we can keep material for a whole number of years on a long-term loan basis."

Construction of the Museum of the Bible, a project started by Hobby Lobby CEO Steve Green, began in February 2015, although Carly Summers, president of the Museum of the Bible, said the project has been in the works for years.

"In many respects this is the kickoff of a three year project. We've been working on it for two years, this is the first time that anything major will be exposed to the public," Summers said at the opening of the museum's construction.

"Hopefully, it will be a great addition to this city. As you know, Washington, D.C. is the capital of museums in the world," she added.