Whether or not one follows the Christian faith, the dedication of Johan Huiber, a Dutch contractor, to his awe-inspiring project is commendable.
Growing up surrounded by water in the province of Noord-Holland, Johan’s childhood fascination with the ocean took a spiritual turn when, at the age of 24, he turned to God.
Nine years later, a vivid dream of a devastating flood sweeping across the Netherlands led Johan, a carpenter by trade, to embark on an extraordinary mission—to build Noah’s Ark.
In 1992, Johan delved into intensive research on Noah’s Ark, reading the Bible, consulting reference books, and watching movies to ensure an authentic replica.
His initial ark, constructed between 2005-2007, spanned 70 meters (230 ft) in length, costing 1 million euros. Sailing it around the Netherlands for 3 1/2 years was just the beginning.
In 2013, Johan accomplished an even grander feat—the completion of Johan’s Ark! This colossal ark, towering seven stories high, took four years to build.
Currently docked in Dordrecht, The Netherlands, Johan’s Ark is a staggering 119 meters (390 ft) long, 30 meters (98 ft) wide, and 23 meters (75 ft) high. Built at a cost exceeding 4 million euros, it rests on a steel platform made of 21 barges.
While it can be towed along inland waterways by tugboats, traversing oceans requires transport on a pontoon or ship. A significant attraction, Johan’s Ark has welcomed over 280,000 visitors in the past four years.
Inside, the ark unfolds as a life-sized exhibit with multiple floors, narrating Bible-based stories through exhibitions, attractions, a movie theater, and more.
Crafted with approximately 12,000 trees, the ark showcases statues of various animals, two cinemas, a restaurant, and serves as a venue for business meetings, weddings, and special events.
Johan Huiber, fueled by a desire to express his love for the Jewish state, envisions taking the ark to Israel.
In a fascinating twist, Johan Huiber’s creation transcends the boundaries of an architectural marvel; it becomes a vessel of faith, a symbol of dedication, and a testament to the intersection of spirituality and craftsmanship.
