Noah’s Ark for Sale in Online Auction: A Biblical Icon Measuring 122 Metres Seeks a New Captain

PRESS RELEASE
20 November 2024, Krimpen aan den IJssel

“My father built Noah’s Ark himself, exactly to the dimensions described in the Bible,” says Deborah Huibers. “Millions of people have visited the Ark, but it’s currently stationary. It’s time for her to fulfil her potential once again. She needs to reopen—as a restaurant, a conference venue, a hotel, or even a private residence—it’s all possible.” Noah’s Ark is being auctioned online by Troostwijk Auctions. The auction is currently open for bidding, which will close on Wednesday, 18 December at 7:00 PM.

The Dream Behind the Ark
What drives someone to build a ship 122 metres long, 29 metres wide, and 27 metres high? The answer is simple: a dream. Johan Huibers dreamed that the Netherlands was engulfed by water. Remarkably, his nephew had the exact same dream that night. This coincidence made Johan think deeply. At the time, he was working as a carpenter in a bookshop where he stumbled upon a book about Noah’s Ark. Suddenly, everything fell into place, and Johan decided to build his own Ark.

A Global Attraction
Noah’s Ark opened to the public in 2012. “My father wanted to bring the biblical story of Noah to life and share his Christian mission and vision,” Deborah explains. “The Ark is filled with stunningly crafted polyester animals. There are life-sized elephants and giraffes whose heads reach through all the Ark’s floors. And, true to the Old Testament, there are two of each animal: a male and a female.”

Deborah recounts how millions of people visited the Ark. “School groups, businesses, weddings, and parties were all held here. The Ark has a massive conference hall that hosted meetings and exhibitions. There are also two cinemas, and with a restaurant on board, it’s an ideal venue for events and gatherings. Visitors from all over the world came to see it.”

‘Troostwijk Auctions Has a Broad International Reach’
Since its opening in 2012, Noah’s Ark has been moored in Dordrecht. However, in 2016 it had to move to make way for a residential development. “The Ark was relocated to Krimpen aan den IJssel,” Deborah explains. “That’s when my father had the idea to take the Ark abroad, and he worked hard towards that goal. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been successful so far. That’s why we’ve decided to auction the Ark.”

The choice of Troostwijk Auctions was an easy one. “My brother, Roy Huibers, runs a woodworking business and auctions six times a year through Troostwijk. He’s had very positive experiences with them. Moreover, Troostwijk has an extensive international market reach, which is advantageous for selling our Ark.”

Interested in Noah’s Ark? Here’s What You Need to Know
Noah’s Ark is a wooden structure measuring 122 metres long, 29 metres wide, and 27 metres high, spread over seven floors. This replica of the biblical Ark includes cinemas, a conference hall, an industrial-grade restaurant kitchen, shops, and four apartments. “These apartments are liveable,” Deborah explains. “In fact, one of my colleagues lived in one of the apartments on the Ark with his wife. They even had three children while living there!”

“The Ark cannot sail independently as it has no engine,” Deborah adds. “However, it has a flat bottom, which makes it easier to transport than one might think. Additionally, the Ark was built as a building, complying with all construction regulations. It includes emergency evacuation and sprinkler systems. The Ark has been inspected and certified for visitor safety, which is essential for insurance purposes. These systems have been meticulously maintained since 2016.”

The Ark is a one-of-a-kind venue for exhibitions, events, and guided tours, offering a comprehensive visitor experience. For full details about Noah’s Ark, visit the auction page.

About the Auction
The online auction for Noah’s Ark closes on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, at 7:00 PM. Want to see the biblical vessel before placing a bid?
Arrange a viewing by sending an email to: aanmelden@troostwijkauctions.com.

Click here for more information about this auction.