Petra Museum
Petra Museum
4.5
About
Located at the main tourist street and only three minute walk from the main gate to Petra. Opening Times Location Online bookingOpening TimesWe are open seven days a week throughout the year from 10 AM to 11.30 PM2000 years ago Petra society was described as "half Bedouin, half farmer". The same description was given to Petra society at the beginning of the nineteenth century. A team of partners and specialists have spent almost 10 years developing the idea of this exhibition to create a better understanding of the history and anthropology of the area. No one can deny the fact that the history of Petra is still alive. To explore this idea, we invite you to this new and exciting exhibition where you can see and enjoy a cultural experience:• Petra in the eyes of the first photographers.• Traditional tools and instruments.• An unforgettable cultural experience.• Local produce available to try and buy.We are trying to make our history understandable and to bring it to life. To experience all this, come and visit the new Petra Life Exhibition for Traditional Heritage, which must be seen to be believed! EXHIBITION SECTIONSA: Arabian coffee sectionB: Water and wateringC: Animals dresses and decorative accessories sectionD: Bedouin tent and weaving techniques sectionE: Bread making sectionF: Traditional construction tools sectionG: Peasant house sectionH: Agriculture sectionI: Leather- manufactured items SectionJ: Shepherding sectionK: Traditional costume, jewelry and beautifying sectionL: weights and measures instruments sectionM: Lighting sectionN: Recreation section (games and music)O: Weapons, defense means and hunting tools and techniques sectionP: Photo gallery (Petra in the eyes of the old photographers)Q: Medication, herbal and spices sectionR: Incense and aromatics sectionS: Traditional food sectionT: Cooking pots section Petra's long history stretches back through antiquity, the remains of which can still be seen inside and outside the ancient city. This is confirmed in both historical and archaeological evidence, which is at hand for specialists and far away from ordinary persons. It became evident to the owners of this exhibition, who are native of Petra, that the society of Wadi Musa and tourists should not be isolated and must be incorporated in many cultural activities and events.Recent studies have shown that human patterns of life continued to be almost the same from the Nabataean period up to the end of the Ottoman period. From that time onwards, modern changes related to the globalization and social changes affected the community as well as lifestyles which led eventually to the loose of a considerable part of our heritage and traditions. If the situation continues as it is, the historical memory of the region will be erased gradually.It is a matter of fact that the visitors of Petra do not have full access to the cultural heritage of the region either tangible or intangible. They have access only to the archaeological site and all the information provided are relevant to the monuments of the city itself. Preserving and presenting other cultural heritage elements as tourism products seems to be a necessity since the Petra region lacks such important places. It is clear therefore that creating new attractions in Wadi Musa will help tourists enjoy the Jordanian cultural experience. The establishment of this exhibition will create this opportunity for the visitors of the archaeological site of Petra.We have created this permanent exhibition showing the history and heritage of the greater Petra region which is the only one of its kind in the southern part of Jordan to focus attention specifically on the heritage of our recent past. It represents a unique and valuable source of information and provides the perfect environment for visitors to explore a broad spectrum of topics related to the heritage of this part of the world during the last two centuries.
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- UkienomadFleming Island, Florida6,360 contributionsGreat museum to view after you visit the treasuryGreat museum to,view after your visit to the ruins. It’s not a huge museum but you’ll need a minimum of 45 minutes or more. There are interactive areas explaining everything and anything you need to know about the area, the Treasury, the people, customs, etc. We weren’t going to go but we’re so glad we did. Not to be missed. Fairly new museum and very well presented. It’s right near the Visitors Center.Visited February 2020Traveled with friendsWritten February 11, 2020
- JBG1Leicester, United Kingdom749 contributionsVisit this museum after visiting PetraA super modern museum all geared up with a selection of visual and tech displays giving a visitor an overall experience regarding the history of Petra. At least 45 minutes required but you could easily spend longer if you become absorbed in what to see and learn. Situated right at the entrance to Petra it is well located and easy to find. Certainly worth visiting .Visited October 2019Traveled as a coupleWritten January 16, 2020
- Liz CWivenhoe, United Kingdom22 contributionsFabulous Exhibits - Beautiful BuildingWe went the night before we visited the Petra site and it was a very useful introduction to the vastness of the Petra experience - a history and buildings which predates the Treasury by millennia. The building is an oasis of calm with 200 exhibits beautifully displayed and lit. Very informative display boards tell of the history and geology. The building is the gift of the Japanese government to the Jordanian government with wonderful use of stone and waterVisited February 2020Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
282 reviews
Excellent
153
Very good
90
Average
30
Poor
7
Terrible
2
samantha l
13 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
The museum took me about an hour but I love a museum and read everything you could easily do it in 20 minutes.
If you want to get the most out of Petra without a guide you should go first as it’s very informative and well done. It certainly showed me what to pay attention to in the water system and architecture.
It’s also cool, spacious and I believe from memory had level access.
If you want to get the most out of Petra without a guide you should go first as it’s very informative and well done. It certainly showed me what to pay attention to in the water system and architecture.
It’s also cool, spacious and I believe from memory had level access.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A.brady
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
Museum was excellent. Very well curated. I was in Wadi Musa for a week, so I went before I visited Petra and after. It was free to see the museum.
However, the gift shop at the back of the museum sold me stamps to mail my postcards to Canada and the postcards never arrived - my guess is that they really do not know what to charge you and so just guess - I spent $25 CND on stamps there and none of the postcards arrived. BUYER BEWARE!
However, the gift shop at the back of the museum sold me stamps to mail my postcards to Canada and the postcards never arrived - my guess is that they really do not know what to charge you and so just guess - I spent $25 CND on stamps there and none of the postcards arrived. BUYER BEWARE!
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Athena Constantinou
119 contributions
Jun 2023
The Petra Museum, located just above the Visitor Centre, is a beautifully designed modern building that provides comprehensive information for a deeper understanding of the Nabataean civilization and the ancient city of Petra through an impressive collection of artefacts found in and around Petra, interactive digital signage, audiovisual films with 3D animations CG and full-size reconstruction models. The exhibition consists of five rooms with exhibits arranged thematically and chronologically, covering a period from the Stone Age to Roman rule. Admission is free, and even if you are not a big fan of museums, it's a great place to rest or meet with friends, as it's spacious, air-conditioned and equipped with benches.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimmee K
10 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
This museum is a MUST if you visit Petra. We almost gave it a miss and I'm so glad we didn't. It displays artefacts that are literally thousands of years old and covers the history from 1500BC. The way it's laid out is very well organised and captivating. There are incredible mosaics and artefacts. It took us around 90mins and I took my time reading almost everything. This museum was a highlight of our trip.
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clarence D
56 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a small, but nice museum that gives a great overview and helpful information about Petra and the civilizations that inhabited the area over the 100's to 1000's of years. If you have the time, try to go through the museum before touring Petra. You will have better insight into what you are about to see. This is especially so for those who do not hire a guide.
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SussexSarah2014
Nairobi, Kenya30 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
I went to the museum the afternoon we arrived in Wadi Musa, and am very glad I did. It explains so much about the whole area, the site, the people who lived (and still live) in and around Petra, and brought it to life so that on entry to Petra itself the next morning, I knew what we were looking at. The museum is very well laid out, with very high quality displays and interactive information stations - and good ac!
Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MatthewASharp
Torquay, UK1,969 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Irrespective that this museum is totally free of charge it’s quite an understated one. It’s a pity that wasn’t more busy. Unfortunately the visitors to Petra are blinded by the obvious
Normally I’d say that this museum would be a perfect place to visit on a rainy day in London. In Petra it’s the perfect excuse to look around on a blistering hot sunny humid day
Nicely presented with English signage too
Normally I’d say that this museum would be a perfect place to visit on a rainy day in London. In Petra it’s the perfect excuse to look around on a blistering hot sunny humid day
Nicely presented with English signage too
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaisyChain12
Hitchin, UK1,576 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
This museum is well worth a visit! It is just to the right before the Petra ticket office.
It has a great range of beautifully laid out exhibits and was really quite interesting.
It was also lovely and cool!
I would recommend setting aside some time to pop into here.
It has a great range of beautifully laid out exhibits and was really quite interesting.
It was also lovely and cool!
I would recommend setting aside some time to pop into here.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
newflyer
Bridgeport, CT1,183 contributions
Aug 2023
This museum is accessible either before or after you go into the Petra site. I did it with my guide after seeing the site and it was a welcome A/C environment because it was quite hot when I was here. We were the only folks in the museum so I think they need to publicize it more so folks know it is here.
Written August 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doreen M
9 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
A little above the visitor center is a very modern building, the size of which is impressive. You should not be deterred by this, the visit is worthwhile.
The artifacts of the individual eras are presented very attractively. In each of the 5 exhibition rooms there are information panels, which give information in Arabic and English not only about the individual finds but also about the history of the Nabataeans and their importance.
Conclusion: Recommendable, also for children very worth seeing.
Admission is free, open until 8 pm.
The artifacts of the individual eras are presented very attractively. In each of the 5 exhibition rooms there are information panels, which give information in Arabic and English not only about the individual finds but also about the history of the Nabataeans and their importance.
Conclusion: Recommendable, also for children very worth seeing.
Admission is free, open until 8 pm.
Written June 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mistero
Padua, Italy240 contributions
Salve,per visitare da sola solo il museo egizio quanto tempo mi ci vorrà all'incirca...poi è possibile una radioguida in italiano?
zuv
Bucharest, Romania27,066 contributions
The museum (it's not an egyptian museum) it's small, so you'll can visit it in less than an hour.
Do you sell books about the Nabatean history and culture?
Why does not your email address work?
valzebub
Pittsburgh, PA311 contributions
I don't recall seeing anything for sale in the museum. Also, it's Jordan. Getting a reply from an email address at an attraction is highly unlikely.
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Claim your listingPetra Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Petra Museum
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Petra Museum Information
Excellent Reviews | 153 |
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Very Good Reviews | 91 |
Petra Museum Photos | 269 |