Christ In The Smokies Museum & Gardens

Opens in Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, Tenn. (September 24, 2009) — Christ In The Smokies Museum & Gardens opens today in Gatlinburg with an entirely new exhibition, in response to popular demand from visitors and residents who missed having a religious attraction in the Smokies.

The new attraction features incredible life-like scenes of the story of Christ utilizing life-size figures, dramatic lighting, inspirational music, special effects, and memoriable narrations.  The developers acquired items from around the country for the new exhibition.  Local artist, Mark Pedro, who has a vast knowledge in the Christian subject matter, worked along with local artist Dale Gillespie to mold and design the new attraction.

For over 48 years, the popular Christus Gardens in Gatlinburg entertained and informed visitors about the life of Christ.  But in 2008, the wax figure collection was sold to a Christian TV network and left Gatlinburg.  The location had been marked for a condo development; however the impact of the economy for the past year, forced the development to be postponed for the foreseeable future.

“Hundreds, even thousands of visitors expressed their sorrow about losing this major religious attraction.  We are pleased to announce that the entire visitor and local citizens’ requests and concerns will be satisfied with the entirely new “Christ In The Smokies Museum and Gardens” exhibition.” said Joe Waggoner, director of the new Christ In The Smokies Museum and Gardens.

Waggoner was the manager of Christus Gardens for the past 25 years.

“Gatlinburg is very fortunate to have local people with the vision and financial commitment to re-open this type of attraction in town.  There was a lot of interest from church groups and tour companies that wish to add this to their itinerary.” added Waggoner.

“In taking with local Gatlinburg residents, we found everyone to be very excited about us bringing an attraction of a religious nature back to Gatlinburg.”  said Charlie Moore, a life time local business person and principal of the project.  Also joining Moore with the project is Billy Proffitt, both men being long time residents of Gatlinburg.

Christ In The Smokies Museum & Gardens is open year round every day from 9am to 8pm and is located at 510 River Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee.  For more information, call (865) 436-5155 or visit www.christinthesmokies.com