Museum of Biblical Art (MOBIA)

MOBIA strives to create a new model of scholarly exhibitions and strong educational programs that interpret biblically inspired art and redefine the dialogue about the place of religious art in our society. The goal of our programs is to re-contextualize Judeo-Christian images for the American pu... Read more

MOBIA strives to create a new model of scholarly exhibitions and strong educational programs that interpret biblically inspired art and redefine the dialogue about the place of religious art in our society. The goal of our programs is to re-contextualize Judeo-Christian images for the American public, presenting them in a way that sheds light on their original function and continued relevance. By exploring and emphasizing the symbolism and the religious context (i.e. ritual function or liturgical usage; and conversely, personal devotion or intellectual inquiry) of the artwork, we hope to increase knowledge and appreciation of biblical art, and to make it accessible to a wider constituency.

MOBIA organizes temporary exhibitions revealing the extraordinary diversity and richness of art inspired by the Bible through the centuries, including various media (painting, sculpture, graphic arts, mixed media, new media, etc.), styles, artistic movements and schools, etc. We believe that an understanding of biblical themes, imagery, and symbolism is essential to cultural literacy, irrespective of one’√Ǭ≠s religious background or beliefs. Our goals include presenting an integrated approach that sets Biblical art and the religious traditions that fostered it within the context of history and social life; introducing the American public to subjects of types of art not often seen in other museums; and fostering interfaith dialogue by serving an audience of all religions backgrounds. In our educational offerings, we are committed to meeting the growing need, in the immediate neighborhood and the larger New York metropolitan area, as well as nationwide via the web, for affordable arts experiences designed for children and families, and engaging lectures and symposia for adults.

Unlike many other museums, MOBIA looks at art through the lens of religion, carefully explaining the original context of the artworks on exhibit in order to illuminate symbolism, ritual and history. As an educational institution that takes no position on religion, MOBIA provides a neutral meeting ground where visitors, of all faiths and none, can learn about the history and significance of art that has been have been inspired by the Bible, and explore the symbolism and traditions which, though profoundly influential, have frequently been left unexplained by many of the world’√Ǭ≠s museums. Here, audiences gather to openly discuss the complex impact of the Bible on art, culture, and society.