BRANSON, Missouri — Answers in Genesis, creator of the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, has announced it will partner with Mindscape Creative to purchase the former Andy Williams Moon River Theater complex in Branson and build a Truth Traveler virtual reality experience to open in spring of 2025. Mindscape Creative is an internationally known builder of virtual reality experiences for venues such as zoos, aquariums and other sites.
Truth Traveler will be a custom-animated “5D” virtual reality ride that transports guests back centuries in time to experience pivotal moments in biblical history using motion benches and haptics for a full sensory experience. The benches and haptics are elements within the ride’s technology that create a sense of motion and immersion for the guest.
Ken Ham, founding CEO of Answers in Genesis, attended a press conference held at the former theater on August 6 to announce the project with his Mindscape Creative partner, Wes Bowen and other company officials. Branson Mayor Larry Milton also attended to officially welcome the new tourism development to his city.
“Guests will feel like they are in the movie when they visit Truth Traveler,” said Ham. “We’re teaching truth through virtual reality.”
Bowen told attendees that Narnia-based programming is also being considered for the attraction and that he expected most guests to spend an hour and a half in the venue. Nine pods will accommodate up to 100 people each of whom will “travel” to numerous biblical sites presented as virtual reality.
In addition to the Truth Traveler virtual reality ride, the former Andy Williams complex will be renovated to include a 1,200-seat theater that will be used for other Christian-themed presentations. Live theater productions will also be held there.
Two other Truth Traveler complexes will be available to travel groups as well, one that will open this spring in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and another that is already operating at the Ark Experience theme park in Williamstown, Kentucky.
Eddie Lutz, who heads the group sales department for the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, will also handle group sales for Truth Traveler.
“Truth Traveler will be a wonderful addition to the faith-based collection of experiences we offer travelers,” he said. “The Branson complex will further cement Branson’s standing as one of America’s best-known faith-based destinations.”
