Patrick Marsh, the designer behind the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum, died Thursday afternoon, November 2, 2021 at the age of 77.
Marsh had been the vice president of attractions design for Answers in Genesis (AiG) since 2001. Marsh was the creative genius behind designs relating to the Noah’s Ark Christian theme parks Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum, both of which are located in Kentucky and operated by AiG.
The Ark Encounter was voted the #1 Best Religious Museum in USA Today’s 2020 Readers’ Choice poll, and the Creation Museum was voted #2.
The widely popular theme park, which welcomes an average of 1 million visitors every year, opened in 2016 and features one of the most precise replicas of Noah’s ark in the world. Guests experience what it might of looked liked inside the the Old Testament animal preserve as they walk through its hundreds of bays that span over three decks.
In addition to the biblically proportioned ark, the park also has a zoo, restaurants, zip lines, a playground, and is planning to build a replica of the Tower of Babel.
AiG founder and CEO, Ken Ham, said, “Patrick’s fingerprints are all over the Creation Museum and Ark Encounter. I have never worked with a more creative person. Calling him a ‘genius’ is not an overstatement. I will miss him dearly, not only as a colleague but as a friend.”
“Patrick was able to attract, build, and mentor a phenomenal team of talented younger-generation designers,” Ham said. “Although Patrick can never be replaced, the team that was built under his leadership is ready to carry on his legacy.”
According to a statement released by AiG, Marsh and Ham have been working on additional phases for both parks. “The fruits of his work will be seen by millions of guests over the coming years as these additions are built at both attractions,” AiG said.
Marsh accomplishments ranged from building various concept designs for theme parks in Japan and Universal Studios in Florida to helping refurbish the Statue of Liberty in 1986.
The brilliant designer leaves behind his wife, Sakae.
