New film ‘Jerusalem’ showing in Mobile

Coast Exploreum Science Center in Mobile, Ala., will host “Jerusalem,” a new IMAX film, through April 4, 2015.

Through the National Geographic film, visitors will travel to the famed city and see how the culture and everyday lives of three faiths are forever intertwined through tradition and history. Complementing the film are two exhibits: “Cultural Artifacts from the Holy Land” and “Families of Abraham.”

“Cultural Artifacts of the Holy Land” includes more than 50 artifacts dating back to the original settlement of Jerusalem through the 20th century. The artifacts are temporarily being loaned to the Exploreum by the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

“Families of Abraham,” a contemporary photography exhibit, will also be featured, showcasing the everyday lives of families from Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths.

Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch (“Star Trek into the Darkness,” PBS’s “Sherlock”), “Jerusalem” gives audiences a rare glimpse of the ancient, storied city, as well as exclusive access to iconic holy sites and little-known parts of the region — including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Dome of the Rock, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee, and the mountain fortress of Masada.

Filmmakers were granted special permission in the region’s strict no-fly zone, enabling them to capture the first-ever large format aerial images of the Old City and the Holy Land.

Audiences will discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions through the stories of Jewish, Christian and Muslim families who call Jerusalem home. They will also join renowned archaeologist Dr. Jodi Magness as she travels underground to solve some of this city’s greatest mysteries. Find out why, after thousands of years, Jerusalem and the Holy Land con-tinue to stir the imagination of billions of people.

School groups are encouraged. Group tours and curator led tours are also available. For additional information, call 251-208-6873.

The Exploreum is at 65 Government St. More details can be found online at www.exploreum.com.