Seven finalist designs revealed for the Museum of Jesus’ Baptism at Bethany, Jordan

• Online exhibition showcases work by international multidisciplinary teams led by 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) and Trahan Architects (US)

• Finalists will be interviewed by an Advisory Panel, comprising representatives from the Foundation’s Board and independent members including Professor Barry Bergdoll at Columbia
  University, US, and Princess Alia Al-Senussi, PhD, Senior Advisor to KSA’s Ministry of Culture and Art Basel

• Winner announcement is expected in early 2026

The Foundation for the Development of the Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site (the Foundation) has revealed the seven concept designs proposed in the international competition for a new museum at Bethany, Jordan.

The concepts, devised by celebrated and emerging international architects, are now available to view in an online gallery on the competition website.

Due to open in 2030 to mark the bimillennial of Christ’s baptism, the museum will be a globally significant spiritual and cultural landmark, deepening the experience of visiting the Baptism Site, located on the east bank of the Jordan River. The site (Al-Maghtas, “Bethany Beyond the Jordan”) is widely accepted as the place where John baptized Jesus and has been a Christian pilgrimage destination for centuries.

Malcolm Reading Consultants is managing the invited competition for an architect-led multidisciplinary team – also encompassing landscape design – for the new museum. Over the past months, the seven shortlisted teams have developed concept proposals in response to a brief calling for an exemplary story-led museum and garden in a sacred place surrounded by a preserved wilderness – a setting dedicated to the history and significance of baptism in the Christian faith.

For more information and details, please visit the website at the following link.

https://malcolmreading.com/news/seven-finalist-designs-revealed-for-the-museum-of-jesus-baptism-at-bethany-jordan