Salt Archaeological Museum | As Salt

Information

Landmark: Salt Archaeological Museum
City: As Salt
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Salt Archaeological Museum, As Salt, Jordan, Asia

The Salt Archaeological Museum is a cultural institution situated in the historic downtown area of Salt, Jordan. It occupies the upper level of the Salt Greater Municipality building on Al-Ein Plaza, serving as a repository for regional artifacts.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a renovated Ottoman-era structure built from traditional yellow limestone with thick walls and arched windows. The interior exhibition space features stone-vaulted ceilings and tiled floors, organized into galleries with glass display cases. Artifacts on display include Neolithic flint tools, Bronze Age ceramics, and Roman-era glassware.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located at Al-Ein Plaza, approximately 35 kilometers west of Amman. Access is provided via the Amman-Salt Highway. Visitors can park in the municipal multi-story parking garage located 400 meters from the museum. Local buses from Amman’s North Bus Station arrive at the central terminal, which is within a 5-minute walk of the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The museum was established in 1986 by the Department of Antiquities to preserve findings from the Balqa region. It is housed in the Touqan building, which dates to the late 19th century and originally functioned as a residential and commercial structure during the Ottoman administrative period. The site is situated on the limestone slopes of the Balqa highlands, an area characterized by perennial springs and ancient settlement mounds.

Key Highlights & Activities

The museum features a chronological display of Jordanian history from the Paleolithic period to the Islamic era. Specific items include the Nabataean pottery collection and Roman-era mosaics salvaged from nearby archaeological sites. Educational tours and artifact identification sessions are provided by on-site staff.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a reception area, public restrooms, and administrative offices. The museum is fully enclosed, providing shade and climate control for visitors. 4G and 5G cellular signals are functional within the building. Numerous cafes, pharmacies, and traditional bakeries are located immediately adjacent to the museum in Al-Ein Plaza.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for a visit is during the morning (09:00 to 12:00) to avoid mid-day crowds in the downtown area. The museum is open year-round, following standard government hours: 08:00 to 16:00 in winter and 08:00 to 18:00 in summer. It is typically closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Facts & Legends

The museum houses a rare collection of "Mummified" Iron Age seeds and textiles found in the Jordan Valley, which have survived due to the unique dry microclimate of the region. A verified historical oddity is the museum's display of a Roman lead coffin found in a local orchard, featuring intricate carvings of laurel wreaths and mythological figures.