Jordan Archaeological Museum | Amman

Information

Landmark: Jordan Archaeological Museum
City: Amman
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Jordan Archaeological Museum, Amman, Jordan, Asia

The Jordan Archaeological Museum is located on the Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a). Established in 1951, it serves as the primary repository for archaeological findings from across Jordan, covering the period from the prehistoric era to the 15th century.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a modest, single-story stone building designed in the mid-century administrative style. Its interior consists of several galleries where artifacts are displayed in chronological order. The lighting is primarily focused on the glass vitrines containing some of the world's most significant ancient sculptures and manuscripts.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at the top of the Amman Citadel, between the Temple of Hercules and the Byzantine Church. It is accessible through the main Citadel entrance. Taxis from downtown Amman (Balad) are the most efficient means of reaching the site. The museum is included in the Citadel admission fee and the Jordan Pass.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Built shortly after Jordan's independence, the museum was specifically designed to store and display artifacts found during major 20th-century excavations, such as those at Petra, Jerash, and 'Ain Ghazal. The site itself is perched on the limestone plateau of Jabal al-Qal'a, providing natural panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

Key Highlights & Activities

'Ain Ghazal Statues: Some of the oldest human-shaped statues ever discovered, dating back to 7250 BC.

Dead Sea Scrolls: Historically, the museum housed the Copper Scroll and other Qumran fragments (though some have been moved to the newer Jordan Museum, several replicas and related artifacts remain).

Anthropoid Sarcophagi: Iron Age clay coffins from the Amman region, unique for their facial depictions.

Islamic Ceramics: A detailed collection of pottery and coins from the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Mamluk periods.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The museum is climate-controlled and offers public restrooms. The surrounding Citadel grounds feature benches and informational signage. While the museum building is generally accessible, the uneven stone paths of the Citadel leading to it may pose challenges for wheelchairs.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is open daily from 09:00 to 19:00 (hours may shorten in winter). Morning visits (09:00–11:00) are recommended to view the 'Ain Ghazal statues before the peak arrival of tour groups.

Facts & Legends

A verified historical fact is that this museum was once the only institution in the world to house the Dead Sea Scrolls before the construction of specialized facilities. Local lore often highlights the 'Ain Ghazal statues as "ancestors of Amman," representing the first sedentary community in the region.