Faith - the Spirit Zone
Copyright NMEC/Hayes Davidson
The Spirit zone consists of six dramatic canopies stretched across a
formation of arches, sheltering an exhibition about religious faith in Britain
in the year 2000. It will reflect the Christian history and nature of British
society as well as the varied multi-faith landscape that exists in Britain
today.
As Britain marks this hugely significant Christian landmark, the exhibition
in the Spirit zone will ask what comprises faith, spirituality and belief in
Britain today.
At the beginning of the zone visitors encounter a clear account of the Life
of Christ framed by large-scale projections of some of His most influential
teachings.
In Living Witness, key historic people, places and objects show how 2000
years of Christian history in Britain have influenced the society in which we
live. It will also show how these continue to affect the lives of Christians
today.
Life Points looks at moments of profound personal experience common to us all
– the birth of a child, marriage, the loss of a loved one – and how they are
marked and understood in distinctive ways by different faith groups.
In the areas of Affirmations and Making Your Mark we reflect on the ways
Christian and the other faith groups and leaders over the past 2000 years have
sought to answer the question “How shall I live?” Visitors are also invited
to leave behind their own public or private thoughts for the new millennium.
A nearby Calendars installation allows visitors to compare the yearly cycle
of observance and festivals from different religions.
A towering contemplation space at the centre of the zone offers the
opportunity for quiet reflection.
The zone ends with a celebration of Britain’s varied faith landscape as we
enter the third millennium. In a powerful visual experience, images from the
zone are mixed with the reflections of the exiting visitors to form a crowd of
‘companions’ with whom the spiritual journey continues beyond the zone and
into the future. The possibility of a small number of further exhibition areas
is still under discussion.
- The Laing Family Trust, the Hinduja Foundation and several trusts and
foundations with Christian interests have lent their support because they
believe that the spiritual and religious significance of the Millennium
should be marked in the Dome.
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