Location: King Hussein Park
The Royal Automobile Museum in Amman, Jordan, is a unique cultural and historical institution, celebrated as the first public automotive museum in the Arab region. Inaugurated on May 25, 2003, by His Majesty King Abdullah II, it serves as a tribute to the late King Hussein bin Talal, whose passion for automobiles and motorcycles forms the backbone of its collection. Located within King Hussein Park in the Al-Tibbiyya neighborhood, the museum showcases over 80 vehicles, including cars and motorcycles, some dating back to 1909, that trace Jordan’s modern history through the lens of its royal family.
The Royal Automobile Museum was established to honor King Hussein
(reigned 1952–1999), a revered figure known for his love of cars and
motorsport, including racing at Tel Rumman. The idea for a museum to
preserve his collection emerged during his lifetime but materialized
under King Abdullah II’s directive after Hussein’s passing in 1999.
Opened in 2003, the museum not only displays vehicles but also narrates
Jordan’s history, from the era of King Abdullah I (1920s) through King
Hussein’s 47-year reign to the present day under King Abdullah II.
The collection began with vehicles owned by the Hashemite royals,
including those of King Abdullah I, King Talal, and King Hussein,
supplemented by diplomatic gifts and manufacturer donations. The
museum’s location in King Hussein Park, a green oasis in Amman, aligns
with its role as a public-facing institution, making it accessible to
locals and tourists alike. Since its founding, the collection has
expanded, incorporating unique additions like movie props and military
vehicles, reflecting Jordan’s global cultural connections.
Housed in a spacious, modern building on the edge of Al Hussein
Public Parks, the Royal Automobile Museum is designed for comfort and
accessibility. The air-conditioned facility is a welcome respite during
Amman’s hot summers, with excellent lighting that highlights the
vehicles’ pristine condition. The layout is intuitive, guiding visitors
through a chronological and thematic journey of Jordan’s history via its
automobiles.
Key features include:
Exhibition Halls: The main
display area houses over 80 vehicles, including classic cars,
motorcycles, sports cars, and military vehicles, each accompanied by
explanatory panels in multiple languages (Arabic, English, Spanish,
French, German, and Arabic kids’ narration). Multimedia presentations
and photographs provide historical context.
Outdoor Exhibits: A glass
case outside the entrance showcases a replica of the Mars Rover from The
Martian (2015), filmed in Jordan’s Wadi Rum and donated by the film’s
cast and crew. A De Havilland DH.104 Dove aircraft, once used by the
Royal Jordanian Air Force, is also displayed at the entrance square.
Interactive Elements: A Bedouin-style tent allows visitors to sit and
experience cultural ambiance, while old Jordanian currency displays and
kiosks add nostalgic touches. Some vehicles, like a Mercedes SL, are
available for photo opportunities.
Accessibility Features: The museum
is equipped with ramps and facilities for disabled visitors, ensuring
inclusivity. Free parking is available on-site.
The museum’s design
emphasizes both functionality and aesthetics, with careful staging that
highlights each vehicle’s historical and cultural significance. Its
location near the King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque and other landmarks
makes it a convenient stop for tourists.
The Royal Automobile Museum’s collection is a diverse and eclectic
array of over 70 cars and 50 motorcycles, ranging from vintage models to
modern supercars, many tied to the Hashemite royal family. Each vehicle
is meticulously maintained, with most in full working order and
occasionally driven for special events or maintenance in the adjacent
park. The collection is organized to reflect key moments in Jordan’s
history, from the Great Arab Revolt to contemporary times.
Notable highlights include:
Historical Vehicles:
Rolls-Royce
Silver Ghost Armored Replica: Modeled after vehicles used by the British
Army during World War I and the Great Arab Revolt, associated with T.E.
Lawrence and King Faisal. Built by the Jordanian Armed Forces to match
original specifications, it symbolizes Jordan’s early statehood.
1916
Cadillac: Used by Sharif Hussein bin Ali, father of King Abdullah I,
during his 1922 visit to Amman, marking one of the earliest motor
vehicles in Jordan.
Lincoln Capri (1955): Used by King Hussein during
his visit to Jerusalem, a significant diplomatic moment.
Mercedes 600
Pullman: A luxurious state vehicle reflecting Jordan’s modernization
under King Hussein.
1956 Armored Cadillac: A diplomatic gift from
U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower, showcasing international relations.
Sports Cars and Supercars:
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren “Stirling
Moss” (2009): A limited-edition, one-of-a-kind car in a unique color,
inspired by the 1955 SLR Racer driven by Stirling Moss.
Ferrari F50
(Chassis #106900): One of 349 produced, previously owned by King
Hussein.
Porsche Carrera GT: Donated to the museum, with photos of
King Abdullah II driving it.
Bugatti and Ferrari Models:
High-performance cars reflecting King Hussein’s passion for speed and
racing.
Movie Props:
Mars Rover Replica: Used in The Martian
(2015), filmed in Wadi Rum, gifted to Jordan for its hospitality.
Tron Legacy Motorcycle Prototype: A futuristic bike from the 2010 film,
adding a surreal element.
Star Wars IX Rising Vehicle: A prop from
the 2019 film, highlighting Jordan’s role in global cinema.
Military and Unique Vehicles:
Rally Cars: Dusty vehicles from desert
races, contrasting the polished limousines.
Amphibious Car and
Submarine: A one-seat submarine capable of descending 40 meters and an
amphibious vehicle, showcasing quirky additions.
Motorcycles: Over 50
bikes, including rare and custom models, reflecting King Hussein’s love
for two-wheeled vehicles.
Each exhibit is accompanied by detailed
descriptions, historical photos, and multimedia, linking the vehicles to
specific events, royal personalities, or cultural milestones. The
collection’s diversity—from diplomatic gifts to movie props—makes it a
compelling narrative of Jordan’s history and global engagement.
The Royal Automobile Museum transcends a typical car collection by
weaving a narrative of Jordan’s Hashemite history and modernization. It
serves multiple roles:
Tribute to King Hussein: The museum honors
King Hussein’s legacy, highlighting his 47-year reign through vehicles
tied to state occasions, diplomatic missions, and personal passions. It
portrays him as a modernizing leader and car enthusiast, connecting his
personal interests to national progress.
Historical Chronicle: The
collection spans from the Great Arab Revolt (1916) to the present,
illustrating Jordan’s evolution through vehicles used by its kings. It
emphasizes key moments, like the creation of the state under Abdullah I
and Jordan’s global ties under Hussein and Abdullah II.
Cultural
Reflection: By showcasing Jordan’s role in trade routes (e.g., the
King’s Highway) and pilgrimage paths, the museum underscores the
automobile’s impact on the nation’s development. Interactive elements
like the Bedouin tent connect visitors to Jordan’s cultural heritage.
Global Connections: Diplomatic gifts (e.g., Eisenhower’s Cadillac) and
movie props (e.g., The Martian Rover) highlight Jordan’s international
relations and its growing presence in global cinema, particularly
through Wadi Rum’s use as a filming location.
Tourist Attraction: As
a top-rated attraction (Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice), the museum draws
car enthusiasts, history buffs, and casual visitors, offering a unique
lens on Jordan’s royal and cultural identity.
However, the museum’s
opulence raises critical questions. Some visitors, as noted on platforms
like Reddit, view it as a display of “obscene wealth” amid Jordan’s
economic disparities, likening it to North Korea’s International
Friendship Exhibition, where gifts symbolize status rather than utility.
This contrast between royal extravagance and local poverty invites
scrutiny of the museum’s narrative, which heavily emphasizes the
monarchy’s benevolence without addressing broader socio-economic
contexts.
Location: King Hussein Park, Al-Tibbiyya, Amman (coordinates:
XRMG+GHV). Near the King Hussein Bin Talal Mosque and accessible via the
Amman–Zarqa highway.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM–7:00 PM, Friday 11:00
AM–7:00 PM, closed Tuesdays.
Admission Fees:
Jordanian
residents: 3 JOD (with audio guide), children above 5: 1.5 JOD.
Non-residents: 5 JOD (with audio guide), free for children under 12.
Contact: Phone: +962 6 541 1392, Email: info@royalautomuseum.jo,
Website:
http://www.royalautomuseum.jo.[](https://automotivemuseumguide.com/the-royal-automobile-museum/)
Accessibility: Fully accessible for disabled visitors, with ramps and
adapted facilities. Free parking is available.
Best Time to Visit:
Spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for pleasant weather.
The museum’s air-conditioned interior makes it suitable year-round.
Tours: Private tours combining the museum with sites like the Citadel,
Roman Theatre, and King Abdullah Mosque are available via Viator or
Jordan Select Tours.
The museum is a 20–30 minute drive from downtown
Amman, easily reachable by taxi or private vehicle. Visitors typically
spend 1–2 hours exploring, with audio guides enhancing the experience.
While the Royal Automobile Museum is a remarkable cultural asset, its
presentation invites critical reflection:
Narrative Bias: The
museum’s focus on the Hashemite monarchy’s achievements may sidelined
broader Jordanian perspectives, particularly those of non-royal or
marginalized communities. Its curated history emphasizes royal
benevolence, potentially glossing over socio-political complexities.
Wealth Disparity: The display of extravagant vehicles, like the Stirling
Moss SLR or Ferrari F50, contrasts sharply with Jordan’s economic
challenges, prompting some to question the ethics of showcasing royal
wealth as a public attraction. Comments on Reddit highlight this
tension, with one user noting, “What’s worse is those cars are not
enjoyed or appreciated… It’s all a status symbol.”
Cultural
Authenticity: While the museum incorporates Jordanian elements (e.g.,
Bedouin tents), its primary focus on Western luxury brands and movie
props may dilute its connection to indigenous automotive or cultural
history, raising questions about whose story is being told.
Public
Access vs. Exclusivity: The reasonable entry fees (1–5 JOD) make it
accessible, but the museum’s royal branding and security measures (e.g.,
warnings not to touch exhibits) can feel exclusionary, as noted in some
Tripadvisor reviews about unfriendly staff.
Maintenance and Use:
While most vehicles are driven occasionally, their primary role as
static exhibits raises questions about whether they could serve more
practical purposes, as some critics suggest.
These points highlight
the museum’s dual role as a cultural treasure and a symbol of royal
privilege, warranting a nuanced understanding of its place in Jordan’s
public sphere.