More than 500,000 people have visited the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. since it was opened to the public six months ago.
The latest figures released by the museum on Thursday showed that 565,000 have entered the new attraction at the National Mall since its opening in November.
Religion News Service reported that over 1,700 groups made a trip to the museum, which features recreations of the ancient world, a garden of Biblical plants, and one of the world's largest collection of Torahs.
"We are pleased that more than half a million people have walked through the iconic Gutenberg Gates since last November to experience the largest museum dedicated to the Bible," Museum of the Bible President Cary Summers said, according to Religion News Service.
"As we enter the peak of tour season, we look forward to welcoming new and returning guests to engage with the history, narrative and impact of the most influential book ever written," Summers added.
Most of the Bibles and manuscripts featured in the exhibits come from the collection of museum co-founder Steve Green, who also serves as the president of arts and crafts company Hobby Lobby.
Prior to its opening, the museum drew some criticism for having "very little Jesus" in its exhibits. An article published by The Washington Post and reposted by The Chicago Tribune claimed that Jesus was "not central to the museum's presentation of the Biblical story."
The authors said that while the exhibits at the museum include a recreation of a first-century village in Galilee, "the story of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection is almost absent."
Steven Bickley, Museum of the Bible's vice president of marketing, administration and finance, explained to The Christian Post at the time that the museum's Narrative floor is divided between the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament.
He pointed out that one of the exhibits on the floor was "The World of Jesus of Nazareth," which features the "sights and sounds of Jesus' day," as well a film recounting the spread of the early church.
Bickley further noted that throughout the museum are "quotes by and about Jesus and images of Jesus, as he is a key figure in the Bible."
The museum will be launching an temporary exhibit about the late evangelist Billy Graham this coming August, according to Religion News Service. Admission to the museum is free, with a suggested donation of $15 per visitor.
