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A former Brisbane high school science teacher-turned-religious leader has realised his dream to create a reportedly $100 million, 155m version of Noah's Ark that is about to open in the United States.
Australian-born Ken Ham had taught science in the Queensland public school system during the 1980s before he packed his bags and moved to America, becoming one of the most powerful religious leaders in America's Bible belt and founder of Answers in Genesis.
Visitors pass outside the front of a replica Noah's Ark at the Ark Encounter theme park. Photo: AP Photo
He went on to build a Creation Museum in 2007, a space dedicated to explaining the origins of the universe based on a literal interpretation of the Genesis creation narrative in the Bible.
The museum has had more than 2 million visitors since its creation and cost $27 million to build.
In 2010, Mr Ham announced his plan to build Noah's Ark and six years later the giant boat has opened its doors to the public its doors to the public.
Visitors pass along the central support beams of a replica Noah's Ark. Photo: John Minchillo
The structure was built according to biblical dimensions in Genesis 6 and is seven storeys tall and a staggering 155 metres in length.
The Ark is reportedly one of the largest freestanding timber-frame structures in the world and sits on a block in north Kentucky, south of the Creation Museum.
Inside the structure are exhibits that tell the story of Noah, along with cages containing animal replicas, including dinosaurs.
Former Queensland teacher Ken Ham moved to the US to build a creation museum, before turning his attention to Noah's Ark. Photo: John Minchillo
There is also an Ark Experience theme park that will have daily animal shows, zip lines, live entertainment and a themed restaurant.
Mr Ham told a VIP audience at the media launch on Wednesday that the Ark was a reminder of the truth of God's word.
"In a world that is becoming increasingly secularised and biased, it's time for Christians to do something of this size and magnitude," he said.
"I believe you are going to find all sorts of people from all walks of life with all sorts of religious backgrounds who are going to come here and even if they don't share our biblical view, they can't help but be impressed by the structure, craftsmanship, and by the attention to detail of the world-class exhibits inside.
"Who knows, Maybe they'll be challenged to even talk about the Bible."
A protest planned by the Tri-State Freethinkers was expected to take place on the Ark's opening day, to "make a stand for science, equal rights and the separation of church and state".
The Ark Encounter opened on July 7.