The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has signed an agreement with Museum of the Bible to host the internationally acclaimed exhibition “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity”.

On behalf of the ministry, Ambassador Dina Kawar signed the agreement with the museum’s President and CEO Dr. Carlos Campo in Washington, D.C.

The exhibition marks another major milestone in Jordan’s efforts to showcase its exceptional Christian heritage to international audiences.

The exhibition also holds particular significance as it presents Jordan as the cradle of the early Christian story and highlights the Kingdom’s unique role in the origins and spread of Christianity.

Jordan is home to many of the most significant sites associated with the life of Jesus Christ, the earliest Christian communities, and the development of the Christian faith.

Among the featured sites are Bethany Beyond the Jordan (the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ), the UNESCO World Heritage Site where Jesus Christ was baptized by John the Baptist; Machaerus, associated with John the Baptist; Umm Qais; the ancient churches of Rehab; the ancient Aqaba Church, regarded as one of the world’s earliest purpose-built churches; the churches of Petra; Um er-Rasas, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and and Madaba, renowned for its remarkable mosaic heritage, in addition to many significant Christian pilgrimage destinations across the Kingdom.

The exhibition forms part of Jordan’s preparations for the global commemoration of the 2,000th Anniversary of the Baptism of Jesus Christ by John the Baptist, a historic milestone that will position “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas) at the center of worldwide Christian pilgrimage and religious heritage tourism.

“Jordan: Dawn of Christianity” has already been successfully presented at the Vatican and later in Assisi, Italy, receiving significant international recognition. Its presentation at Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. forms part of the exhibition’s planned international tour and further reinforces Jordan’s commitment to sharing its rich Christian heritage with the world.

The exhibition will feature an exceptional collection of rare archaeological artifacts and museum objects that trace the history of Christianity in Jordan from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Together, these objects illustrate the continuity of the Christian presence in Jordan for nearly two millennia and reflect Christianity’s enduring role as an integral and deeply rooted component of the Kingdom’s cultural identity, social fabric, and civilization.

The exhibition is expected to open at Museum of the Bible during the first quarter of 2027.