Níall McLaughlin Architects has been selected as the winner of the global design competition for the Museum of Jesus' Baptism in Bethany, Jordan. This significant project, managed by Malcolm Reading Consultants, involved architect-led multidisciplinary teams tasked with envisioning a museum and landscape that respectfully integrates with Al-Maghtas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The winning design by NMLA was recognized for its immersive narrative, sensitive integration with the landscape, and strong emphasis on social responsibility and low-carbon construction methods.
Níall McLaughlin Architects Crowned Champions for Jordan's Sacred Museum Project
On February 10, 2026, the Foundation for the Development of the Lands Adjacent to the Baptism Site officially declared Níall McLaughlin Architects (NMLA) as the victor of the prestigious international design competition for the Museum of Jesus' Baptism in Bethany, Jordan. This announcement followed a rigorous six-month selection process, during which seven shortlisted proposals were meticulously reviewed by an international Advisory Panel. The site, also known as "Bethany Beyond the Jordan," is located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River and is revered as the historical location of Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist. The new museum, set to open its doors in 2030 to commemorate the 2000th anniversary of Christ's baptism, is envisioned as a profound cultural and spiritual hub. It aims to foster contemplation, learning, and cross-cultural dialogue while significantly enriching the visitor experience of this historic and hallowed place.
NMLA's winning submission stood out among other distinguished firms, including AAU Anastas, Heneghan Peng Architects, Studio Anne Holtrop, Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO, Toshiko Mori Architect, and Trahan Architects. The jury commended NMLA's design for its compelling spatial storytelling and its thoughtful response to both the natural surroundings and the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum's layout proposes an east-to-west journey, guiding visitors from a stark, untamed garden into the building itself. A water-filled chasm, symbolizing the Jordan River, will lead them into a lush, cultivated garden, marking the culmination of their experience. This narrative is ingeniously woven into the architectural and site strategy: the eastern entrance and western exit are aligned across a public square, and an open, stepped landscape gracefully ascends to the roof, allowing visitors to walk across the structure as part of the public space. From this elevated vantage point, guests will be afforded panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the ancient pilgrimage route to the Baptism Site. The building itself is designed as a low-profile structure, seamlessly integrated into the terrain, and will utilize locally sourced stone and rammed earth techniques, echoing traditional Jordanian architectural styles. The NMLA team, collaborating with local consultant Engicon, Arup for daylight studies, Studio ZNA for lighting design, and Kim Wilkie Landscape for the landscape strategy, is committed to creating a design that champions social responsibility and low-carbon construction. The exhibition, designed by Nissen Richards Studio, promises an immersive atmosphere through variations in light, sound, and material, exploring themes of wilderness, water, and witness. The Foundation will continue to work closely with Níall McLaughlin Architects, UNESCO, local communities, and international stakeholders to advance the design, with the ultimate goal of establishing the museum as a globally significant cultural landmark.
The selection of Níall McLaughlin Architects for this project underscores their profound understanding of context, narrative, and sustainable design principles. This win, coupled with Níall McLaughlin's recent recognition as the recipient of the 2026 RIBA Royal Gold Medal for Architecture, highlights the firm's rising prominence and innovative contributions to the architectural world. The museum promises to be a powerful blend of spiritual significance and contemporary architectural excellence, offering visitors a unique and contemplative journey through history and faith.