In the Jordan Museum you can wander through galleries to appreciate old statues and pottery, or use the multimedia tools to interact with the museum exhibits and tailor your visit to your specific interests.
Find the Jordan Museum next to City Hall in a downtown area of Ras al-Ayn. When you arrive at the museum, the building you see was constructed in 2005. However, the idea for the museum dates back to the 1960s. At the time, experts recommended the establishment of a national museum that could hold the archeological treasures of Jordan. From there, the government worked to secure funding and King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein issued a royal decree for the establishment of a national museum in 2002.
Note the museum’s modern exterior with its golden columns and sharp lines. The designer of the Jordan Museum, Ja’far Toukan, also designed many of the other major buildings in the city.
Once you step inside, explore the beautiful displays that take you through the history of Jordan, starting with its very first inhabitants and leading up to the present day. Marvel at the plaster mannequins that are 9,500 years old, see some of the Dead Sea Scrolls and look at visual art created by local residents of the past.
For researchers who want to make use of the museum’s resources, there is a library including thousands of materials on topics such as Jordan’s history, archaeology and education. Shop in the museum gift store for a souvenir to take home to friends and family, then finish your visit by stopping in the museum’s café to grab a hot drink and sit for a while.
There is an entrance fee per person to enter the Jordan Museum, payable at the front desk upon arrival. The museum is open daily, except Tuesdays. Groups can book a special visit with a guide by calling ahead of time.
