Petra Museum
Hokkaido Region
The Old Petra Museum is a unique archaeological museum located inside a natural rock cave in Petra, Jordan. Established in 1963, it occupies a Nabataean cave that leads to Al Habees Castle and includes a main hall with two side rooms. The museum houses seven showcases filled with archaeological artifacts from the Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine periods, discovered through various excavations and missions by the Department of Antiquities. Its collection primarily features architectural ornaments and stone sculptures, providing a fascinating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Petra. The museum is currently undergoing reorganization of its exhibits following the opening of the new Petra Nabatean Museum. Visitors access the museum by climbing up to the cave entrance, adding an adventurous dimension to the visit. The new Petra Museum, built after an agreement between Jordanian and Japanese authorities, represents a modern expansion of Petra's archaeological display, highlighting the site's global cultural significance.
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Tip: Visitors should plan to climb to the museum, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended. The best time to visit is during the cooler months to avoid the heat of the region. It is advisable to check opening hours in advance and consider purchasing tickets for the new Petra Nabatean Museum, as the Old Petra Museum's exhibits are being reorganized. Discounts may be available for students and groups. Guided tours can enhance the experience by providing detailed historical context.
Interesting facts
- •The Old Petra Museum is uniquely located inside a natural Nabataean cave.
- •It contains artifacts from three major historical periods: Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine.
- •The museum's cave leads to Al Habees Castle, linking it to Petra's broader archaeological landscape.
- •The new Petra Museum was built after a Jordanian-Japanese agreement and took five years and over seven million dollars to complete.
History
The Old Petra Museum was established in 1963 inside a Nabataean cave within Petra, Jordan.
It was created to preserve and display archaeological finds from the Nabataean, Roman, and Byzantine periods discovered in the city.
Over the decades, the museum has housed a collection of architectural ornaments and stone sculptures significant to Petra's history.
In 2014, an agreement between Jordanian and Japanese authorities led to the construction of a new modern Petra Museum, expanding the site's exhibition capacity and modernizing its facilities.
The Old Petra Museum is currently undergoing exhibit reorganization following the new museum's opening.
Place Guide
Main Hall1963
The central area of the museum housing the majority of the archaeological showcases featuring Nabataean architectural ornaments and stone sculptures.
Side Rooms1963
Two smaller rooms adjacent to the main hall containing additional artifacts from Roman and Byzantine periods discovered in Petra.
Contact
Phone: (03) 215 6044
