The world’s first creationist museum has opened in Petersburg, Kentucky, USA.

The US$27m (£13.6m, 20m euro) Creation Museum is set on 49 acres of land near Cincinnati Airport and features exhibits that “illustrate the Bible as a supreme authority in all matters, withstanding the most ardent scientific scrutiny, offering hope to millions through its gospel message”.

The 60,000sq ft (5,500sq m) museum features 55 animatronic and static figures, as well as a planetarium and dozens of exhibits based on the Bible’s ‘Seven C’s of History’: creation, corruption, catastrophe, confusion, cross and consummation.

The museum was the brainchild of Ken Ham, co-founder and president of Answers in Genesis, the non-profit Christian ministry, and the centre also serves as the headquarters of the group.

Creationists believe that the earth is only around 6,000 years old – as opposed to the more widely accepted belief that the world is around 4.5 billion years old – and that humans co-existed with dinosaurs, whereas there is generally thought to be approximately a 64 million year gap between the two.