Amman – The Royal Automobile Museum
An innovative and captivating way to trace the history and evolution of a country is through a breathtaking (and expansive) car and motorbike collection. The vehicles on display, owned by the Hashemite royals, date from 1916 through to 1993 and include a Lincoln Capri 1952 used by King Hussein as well as a 1955 Mercedes Benz 300SL. For car-lovers, non-lovers, and amateur collectors alike.
Tel +962 6541 1292
HYPERLINK "http://www.royalautomobilemuseum.jo" www.royalautomobilemuseum.jo
Damascus – The National Museum of Damascus
With the entrance incorporated into a desert castle gate, the museum boasts intriguing collections of Pre-Islamic, Classical and Islamic artefacts. You’ll be able to have a look at small clay tablets inscribed in Ugarithic (the oldest known alphabet) as well as the third millennium treasures of King Cansud. The most viewed exhibit, however, is the fully reassembled second century Synagogue with inscriptions covering the walls.
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Beirut – Robert Moawad Private Museum
Just a stone’s throw from Downtown Beirut, the Robert Moawad Private Museum gathers together – in one gorgeous palazzo-like building – collections representing the orient and the occident. Collected by Henri Pharaon, exhibits include carpets, books, and a stunning array of vintage jewellery; as well as the usual suspects relating to antiquities, pottery and metalwork. The location itself is also interesting having witnessed significant political events.
Tel + 961 1 980 970
HYPERLINK "http://www.rmpm.info" www.rmpm.info
Cairo – Egyptian Museum
This museum can easily boast one of the most extensive collections in the region; we’re talking 120,000 individual pieces and counting. Harboured in a massive neo-classical building built in 1900, you’ll find items dating from pre-historic times to the Greco-Roman period. But, it’s worth spending most of your time relishing in Egypt’s Pharaonic glory by viewing Tutankhamen’s impressive set of trinkets, objects and, of course, his tomb.
Tel + 202 579 6974
HYPERLINK "http://www.egyptianmuseum.gov.eg" www.egyptianmuseum.gov.eg
Dubai – Dubai Museum
Dubai’s eighteenth century Al Fahidi Fort is the Emirates’ salute to its own heritage. Converted in 1971 into a museum, curious visitors can spend time taking in what it was like to live in the country before skyscrapers and highways. Recreations include Life in the Desert, Life on the Sea, Commercial Life and Domestic Life. The fort itself is a cultural and military icon.
Tel + 9714 353 1862
HYPERLINK "http://www.dubaitourism.ae" www.dubaitourism.ae
Manama – Currency Museum
Tucked away in the Bahrain Monetary Agency is one of the few such museums of its kind in the region. Bringing together ancient Arabic, Islamic and Byzantine coins, visitors will delight in the impressive assortment of minted gold and silver. It also boasts one of the nine rarest Islamic coins in the world in its exhibits. You’ll also be able to view the monetary evolution of this important banking hub.
Tel +973 1754 7777
HYPERLINK "http://www.bahraintourism.com/currency_museum" www.bahraintourism.com/currency_museum
Marrakech –Marrakech Museum
Amalgamating all that is cultural and historic about Morocco, this museum is a must-visit when in the capital. Also known as the Omar Benjelloun Foundation (art-lover and prolific collector), you’ll be able to browse historic documents and Islamic archaeological artefacts, as well as walk through diverse art exhibits displayed in the central patio. The nineteenth century palace adds to the appeal of the experience.
Tel +212 244 41893
HYPERLINK "http://www.museedemarrakech.ma" www.museedemarrakech.ma
Tunis – Bardo Museum
Home to an impressive display of relics dating back to prehistoric times, this nineteenth century palace was first opened as a museum in 1899 and lodges some of the most beautiful mosaic collections in the world. You may also be interested to have a look at the grimacing mask dating back to the eighth century BC or a much more recent leather astrolabe among many other curiosities.
Tel + 216 1 513 360
HYPERLINK "http://www.di.com.tn/museebadro" www.di.com.tn/museebadro
