Bringing history to life through immersive design is no small feat. But when the organization Answers in Genesis set out to bring the Truth Traveler experience to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, our team at George Armour Ewart, Architect was ready to help.

With a unique mix of storytelling, virtual reality (VR), and custom theming, this 5D biblical attraction invites guests to travel back in time, thanks in part to strategic architectural and interior designs from Team Ewart.

Vision-Driven Design for a Faith-Based Experience

When the organization behind the Truth Traveler first reached out to our team, they were looking for a partner who understood the heart of their mission and could help bring it to life. Creatively inspired by the client’s vision and faith, we embraced the challenge of turning this concept into an immersive, purpose-driven experience.

Inside the Attraction…
Guests are taken on a time-travel journey through biblical history, an experience that includes nine individual VR pods (each able to seat 12), a cinematic 4D experience complete with motion and water effects, and a “time travel” journey starting in a lobby styled like an airport terminal.

From custom elevator cabs that hold up to 36 people, to light tunnels and hovercraft visuals, every element contributes to a cohesive, futuristic narrative rooted in spiritual storytelling.

Creating a Fully Immersive, Fully Original Experience

The deeply immersive aspect of this project made it unique and intriguing for our team. As part of the experience, guests move through an Adam-to-Jesus “time travel” journey, guided by story, sensory effects, and thoughtfully integrated designs. 

Along the way, they’ll pass through a glowing light tunnel, hear from the “inventor” about the experience, and board one of nine VR pods.

Part of our interior design team at GAEA — Greg, Abigail, Christina, and Jesse — worked hand-in-hand with Kingdom Productions to bring the attraction’s vision to life through custom finishes, lighting, and material selections. 

One standout feature:

The planetarium, inspired by the inventor’s daughter, where guests look up to see suspended planets and cloud shapes while watching beautifully produced films narrated by the one and only, Liam Neeson. Designed in partnership with SimWorks Studios out of London, this space blends education and awe in a way that guests of all ages will love.

Every detail of the environment was created to engage the senses and support the story. Even the gift shop and snack area were thoughtfully designed to carry the theme all the way through the guest experience, from the “flight deck” start to the fudge at the end.

A Few Challenges to Keep Us Creative

Of course, creating an experience like this inside a building that is decades-old came with its fair share of challenges… The structure, originally built in the 1960s, required significant updates to meet modern codes and functionality. Coordinating materials, many of which were coming from overseas, also meant working through customs delays and tight shipping windows.

With multiple partner teams involved across lighting, sound, motion, and theming, the project involved constant communication and a lot of adaptability, with everyone focused on the big picture: creating something truly one-of-a-kind.

Project Team
Theming & Interior Design: Kingdom Productions
Architecture & Interior Design: George Armour Ewart, Architect
General Contractor: George W. Reagan Company
Simulation: SimWorks Studios
Lighting & Sound: Theme Park AV
5D VR Motion Adventure: Mindscape Creative

A Passion for Designing with Purpose

For GAEA owner and Principal in Charge, George Ewart, this was more than just a project, it was an opportunity to spread inspiration and contribute to a meaningful story. As he puts it, “If we’ve helped get people excited and inspired, then we’ve done our job.”

Whether it’s a themed entertainment space or a functional civic facility, Team Ewart is proud to bring passion, precision, and thoughtful collaboration to every design. A special thank-you to Ben Wilt and Doug Nelson of Answers in Genesis for trusting us to help bring this experience to life. It was a true team effort from start to finish — and the journey doesn’t stop here.

We’re already working with the team on a new expansion inside the former Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, reimagining the space as a live performance venue for faith-based music, plays, and events. Stay tuned as we share more about this project soon!

To view more of commercial architecture and design work in East Tennessee and beyond, visit our website here.

Questions? Contact us online or by email at info@georgeewart.com, or follow us on social media @teamewart to keep up with what we’re doing!