Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Full restoration of the theatre began in 1957. Unfortunately, non-original materials were
used, which means that the present reconstruction is partly inaccurate. However, the final
product is certainly impressive, especially considering that the theatre has again become a
place of entertainment in recent years. Productions are sometimes put on here in July and
August - check with the tourist office or ask at your hotel.
The best time for photographs is the morning, when the light is soft - although the
views from the top tiers just before sunset are also superb. At night the theatre is floodlit,
providing a spectacular backdrop to the bustle of downtown.
NATIONAL MUSEUM
Amman's congested downtown is midway through a major redevelopment project and already the outline of public
gardens, panoramic vantage points and pedestrian trails linking the Citadel and the Roman Theatre are beginning to
take shape. The highlight of this project is the new international-standard
National Museum
Offline map
Google map
m
(Omar Matar St)
, which is located next to the City Hall. While the museum is reportedly complete,
and key items such as Jordan's share of the Dead Sea Scrolls, have been relocated, the museum was still closed at
the time of writing. Rumour has it that the authorities are awaiting a suitable occasion to give fanfare to the mu-
seum's inauguration. Come what may, the first visitors are expected in 2012 (
in sha' Allah!
).
Folklore Museum
MUSEUM
( 4651742; Roman Theatre complex; 8am-7pm Sat-Thu & 10am-4pm Fri May-Sep,
8am-5pm Sat-Thu & 10am-4pm Fri Oct-Apr)
Immediately to the right as you enter the
Roman Theatre, this small museum houses a modest collection of items illustrating tradi-
tional Jordanian life. They include a Bedouin goat-hair tent complete with tools; musical
instruments such as the
rababa
(a one-stringed Bedouin instrument); looms;
mihbash
(coffee grinders); some weapons; and various costumes, including traditional Circassian
dress. Don't miss the B&W photos of old Amman by the entrance. Captions are in Eng-
lish. It was closed for restoration at the time of writing but is expected to reopen with a
similar focus.
