Jordan Museum
Al ‘A̅şimah
The Jordan Museum, located in the Ras al-Ein district of Amman, is Jordan's largest museum and a premier cultural institution established in 2014. It houses some of the most significant archaeological artifacts from Jordan, including the 9000-year-old ʿAin Ghazal statues, among the oldest human statues ever discovered, and the famed Dead Sea Scrolls, notably the Copper Scroll. The museum's collections are displayed in chronological order, tracing the rich prehistoric and historic heritage of the region. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum features lecture halls, outdoor exhibition spaces, a library, a conservation center, and dedicated areas for children's activities. The museum was developed under the guidance of a committee headed by Queen Rania and incorporates modern preservation technologies, making it a state-of-the-art facility. Situated near downtown Amman, it is within walking distance of other major archaeological sites such as the Roman Theater and the Amman Citadel, enriching the visitor's cultural experience.
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Tip: Visit the museum during weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. The museum offers educational programs and activities for children, making it family-friendly. Visitors should allocate ample time to explore the extensive collections and attend lectures or special exhibitions when available. The museum is easily accessible from central Amman and located close to other key historical sites, allowing for combined visits.
Interesting facts
- •The ʿAin Ghazal statues housed in the museum are among the oldest human statues ever found, dating back approximately 9000 years.
- •The Dead Sea Copper Scroll, part of the collection, is unique among the Dead Sea Scrolls as it lists hidden treasures including gold and silver.
- •The Mesha Stele, a significant biblical artifact inscribed by the Moabite King Mesha, is displayed in the museum and provides direct historical insight into ancient Moabite civilization.
- •The museum is the only one in Jordan to implement modern artifact-preserving technologies, ensuring the longevity of its collections.
History
The Jordan Museum was established in 2014 to replace the older Jordan Archaeological Museum, which had been located atop Amman's Citadel Hill since 1951 but became insufficient for the country's expanding archaeological collections.
The new museum was developed following a 2005 initiative led by Queen Rania to create a modern institution meeting international standards.
Construction began in 2009, culminating in a 10,000 square meter facility that opened to the public in 2014.
Since then, it has become the central repository for Jordan's archaeological heritage, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric to historic periods.
Place Guide
The ʿAin Ghazal Statuescirca 7000 BCE
These lime plaster statues are some of the oldest human figures ever discovered, dating back to the Neolithic period around 7000 BCE. They provide invaluable insight into early human artistic expression and social structures.
Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibitioncirca 68 CE
This permanent exhibition includes the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, notably the Copper Scroll, which lists hidden treasures and is written in a unique Mishnaic Hebrew script.
Mesha Stelecirca 840 BCE
A large basalt stone inscribed by King Mesha of Moab, commemorating his victories and building projects. The stele is a critical artifact for biblical history and Moabite culture.
Contact
Phone: (06) 462 9317
