Published: September 19, 2008

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opens In Schagen, Netherlands

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Noahs Ark Replica in Netherlands

This is truly amazing! Cannot even imagine the work time and money that went into this venture.

It's also amazing to see how large this is - and that the fact it is to scale of biblical times. Enjoy.

Working Replica of Noah's Ark Opens In SCHAGEN, Netherlands.

The massive central door in the side of Noah's Ark was thrown open Saturday for the first crowd of curious Pilgrims and townsfolk to behold the wonder.

Cedar Noahs Ark in Netherlands

Of course, it's only a replica of the biblical Ark, built by Dutch Creationist Johan Huibers as a testament to his faith in the literal truth of the Bible.

The ark is 150 cubits long, 30 cubits high and 20 cubits wide. That's two-thirds the length of a football field and as high as a three-story house. Life-size models of giraffes, elephants, lions, crocodiles, zebras, bison and other animals greet visitors as they arrive in the main hold.

A contractor by trade, Huibers built the ark of cedar and pine -

Biblical Scholars debate exactly what the wood used by Noah would have been.

Johan Huibers, Noahs Ark builder

Huibers did the work mostly with his own hands, using modern tools and with occasional help from his son Roy. Construction began in May 2005.

On the uncovered top deck - not quite ready in time for the opening - will come a petting zoo, with baby lambs and chickens, and goats, and one camel.

Visitors on the first day were stunned.

Work on Cedar Noahs Ark

'It's past comprehension, ' said Mary Louise Starosciak, who happened to be bicycling by with her husband while on vacation when they saw The ark looming over the local landscape. 'I knew the story of Noah, but I had no idea the boat would have been so big.'

Inside Noahs Ark

There is enough space near the keel for a 50-seat film theater where kids can watch a video that tells the story of Noah and his ark.

Huibers said he hopes the project will renew interest in Christianity in the Netherlands , where church going has fallen dramatically in the past 50 years. ''If You Need Help, Ask God. If You Don't, Thank God''... 'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' Psalm 23:6 When there is nothing left but God, that is when you find out that God is all you need. Live today to the fullest because tomorrow is not promised.