Seven internationally renowned design teams have been shortlisted to compete for the design of the Museum of Jesus' Baptism at Bethany, Jordan, marking a significant milestone in religious and cultural architecture. This prestigious project, set to open in 2030 to commemorate the bimillennial anniversary of Christ's baptism, has received official endorsement from His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and is being led by the Foundation for the Development of the Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site.
The museum will be strategically located adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" on the east bank of the Jordan River, a sacred location that has served as a Christian pilgrimage destination for centuries. London-based Malcolm Reading Consultants (MRC) is managing the international competition process, which aims to create a cultural and spiritual landmark of global significance.
As an integral component of the Baptism Development Zone (BDZ) master plan, the museum is designed to significantly enhance the visitor experience through dedicated spaces for reflection, learning, and cultural engagement. Project organizers anticipate the facility will welcome between 400,000 and 450,000 visitors annually, making it a major destination for religious tourism and cultural education in the region.
The design challenge invites the shortlisted architectural teams to thoughtfully respond to the site's profound historical resonance and unique landscape characteristics, translating these extraordinary qualities into contemporary architectural form. The selection process will culminate with the unveiling of concept designs in Fall 2025, followed by the announcement of the winning proposal later in the year.
The distinguished shortlist comprises seven internationally recognized architectural practices, each bringing unique cultural and geographical perspectives to the project. AAU Anastas, with offices in Palestine, France, and Jordan, operates at the dynamic intersection of architecture, design, and cultural production. The firm is particularly renowned for exploring material intelligence and local craftsmanship, with a specialized focus on stone construction and its potential for creating sustainable, low-carbon structures.
heneghan peng architects from Ireland brings extensive experience in delivering cultural buildings within historically sensitive contexts. The firm's notable portfolio includes prestigious projects such as the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Palestinian Museum, demonstrating their ability to combine forensic design thinking with interdisciplinary collaboration approaches.
Níall McLaughlin Architects from the United Kingdom, recipients of the prestigious 2022 RIBA Stirling Prize, are widely recognized for their expertly crafted projects in heritage-rich settings. The firm specializes in integrating natural materials and traditional artisanal techniques to create contemporary architecture that remains deeply rooted in its contextual surroundings.
Studio Anne Holtrop, operating between Bahrain and the Netherlands, has developed an impressive body of work focusing on public and cultural buildings. The practice is known for blending innovative material experimentation with sensitive interventions in UNESCO-listed heritage sites, including their notable work on The Pearling Path in Bahrain.
Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO from Mexico brings a distinctive approach that integrates community engagement, analog design processes, and sustainability principles into context-specific architectural solutions. The firm recently received international recognition with the Golden Lion's Special Mention for National Participation at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale for their work on the Holy See Pavilion.
Toshiko Mori, based in the United States, contributes nearly four decades of experience in creating contextually responsive and environmentally sensitive projects across cultural, educational, and civic programs. Her extensive portfolio demonstrates a consistent commitment to thoughtful integration with natural and cultural environments.
Completing the impressive shortlist is Trahan Architects, also from the United States, known for their sculptural and environmentally attuned approach to cultural and spiritual spaces. The firm frequently emphasizes themes of peace, healing, and continuity in their architectural works, making them particularly well-suited for this sacred project.
This competition occurs alongside several other major international architecture competitions that have recently announced their shortlists. The Aga Khan Award for Architecture (AKAA) revealed 19 projects for its 2025 cycle, with the Master Jury scheduled to conduct on-site evaluations later this summer before selecting the final winners. Additionally, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City unveiled six shortlisted designs for its expansion project, featuring proposals from renowned firms including Kengo Kuma & Associates, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Selldorf Architects, Studio Gang, Weiss/Manfredi, and WHY Architecture.
The World Architecture Festival (WAF) has also released its 2025 shortlist, showcasing exceptional projects across buildings, interiors, and urban landscapes. These projects will be presented ahead of the festival's historic first United States edition in Miami this November, where finalists will have the opportunity to present their innovative work to an international audience of architecture professionals and enthusiasts.
