'Tomb of Christ' 3D virtual exhibit at National Geographic Museum lets visitors experience holy site

WASHINGTON - The National Geographic Museum has debuted a brand new exhibit called Tomb of Christ: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Experience.

Users can wear 3D glasses to be virtually transported to Jerusalem's Church Of The Holy Sepulchre where Jesus was believed to have been buried. The 3D experience allows visitors to virtually walk inside the rotunda in the Church Of The Holy Sepulchre and the Tomb of Christ. Users can also view newly revealed cave walls that haven't been seen in centuries. The exhibit also includes a short 3D film.

"With this exhibition, we've assumed the audacious task of pushing the boundaries of exploration even further by taking visitors back in time," said Gary E. Knell, president and CEO of the National Geographic Society in a statement. "Through the use of real scientific data and visualizations, museum visitors have the opportunity to virtually step foot inside this iconic place to experience science and history in a particularly innovative way."

The tomb was believed to have been built in the fourth century. The church underwent a major restoration last year which National Geographic documented in order to create this 3D experience.

Tomb of Christ: The Church of the Holy Sepulchre Experience is open now and will be open through next August. The National Geographic Museum is located on 17th and M St NW and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

ONLINE: https://www.nationalgeographic.org/dc/exhibitions/tomb-of-christ/