A floating amusement park with a Biblical theme has docked in Cologne. It is a life-size version of Noah’s Ark, in the midst of a tour of Europe.
The owner of the Ark is Dutch television entertainer and puppeteer Aad Peters who aims to use it to test people’s knowledge of the Bible while exploring the life-size stuffed animals, models and puppets on board.
The ship includes four different stories from the Old and New Testaments, including Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the story of Noah, as well as David and Goliath.
"The Bible is an interesting book, even for people who have never read it," said Peters. "Everyone should be familiar with its stories."
The ship has seen a wide range of visitors so far on its tour, including Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, as well as Christians.
"Noah's tale is also present in other religions," Peters observed. "I've met Muslims who know the story better than Christians."
The exhibition is not just to expand people’s Bible knowledge but is art for art’s sake, insists Peters, who added he is not actually a church-goer.
Protestant pastor Mathias Bonhoeffer, who visited the exhibition said he found it interesting but noted that "some of the theological subtleties are missing and much does not correspond with what's actually in the Bible."
"Still, it's impressive for young people and a good way for them to get a glimpse of Christian traditions and culture," he added.