Jordan Museum, Amman (must see)

The Jordan Museum stands as a monumental institution dedicated to preserving the country's rich archaeological heritage. Established in 2014, it has earned the distinction of being the largest museum in Jordan, housing an extensive collection of the nation's most significant archaeological discoveries.

At the heart of the museum's offerings are its two main permanent exhibitions, which showcase some of Jordan's most prized historical treasures. The first of these exhibitions features the renowned Dead Sea Scrolls, including the enigmatic Copper Scroll, an invaluable piece of history that has captured the world's fascination. The second exhibition spotlights the astonishing 9,000-year-old ʿAin Ghazal statues, among the earliest known human statues ever created. These captivating artifacts provide profound insights into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

The Jordan Museum's collections span various prehistoric archaeological sites across Jordan, meticulously arranged in chronological order. Beyond the exhibits, the museum offers a range of facilities and activities for visitors. It boasts lecture halls for educational programs, outdoor exhibitions to explore, a library for research and study, a conservation center dedicated to preserving cultural heritage, and a dedicated area for children's activities, fostering a love for archaeology in the younger generation.

Notably, the establishment of the Jordan Museum was guided by a committee led by Queen Rania, making it the sole museum in Jordan to implement cutting-edge artifact-preserving technologies. While the Jordan Archaeological Museum had previously occupied space atop Amman's Citadel, the need for a larger, modern facility became evident over time. Construction commenced in 2009, culminating in the official opening of the museum in 2014, with its impressive 10,000 square meters of space dedicated to celebrating Jordan's rich archaeological heritage.