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.