Royal Automobile Museum

The basics

The late King Hussein, a member of Jordan’s Hashemite royal family, was known for his love of cars. The gleaming collection at the Royal Automobile Museum appeals to car enthusiasts and history buffs alike. That’s because the exhibit focuses on the vehicles themselves and the people behind the wheel. From fallen monarchies and high-profile diplomatic visits to glamorous celebrity encounters, each car has a story to tell.

The museum is often included as part of a shared or private full-day tour of Amman. A typical itinerary also stops at Rainbow Street, King Abdullah Mosque, the Amman Citadel, and the Roman Theater. Some options offer a traditional Jordanian breakfast or lunch, while others may include a hammam spa experience. Visitors may even get to drive one of King Hussein’s vintage automobiles as part of an optional add-on—be sure to request this upgrade well in advance.

Things to know before you go

• You may notice that some of the cars on display look…well, out of this world. That’s because the Royal Automobile Museum’s car collection has vehicles from sci-fi films made in Jordan. These include Star Wars and The Martian, filmed partially in Wadi Rum.

• Count on about an hour to tour the facility. The museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities and is air-conditioned, which is a bonus during the sweltering summer months.

• Car enthusiasts will find panels explaining the make and model, the year the vehicle was made, and its engine power. Visitors can also read about the royal events it was used for.

• Are you not ready to call yourself a petrolhead? Don’t write this museum off. Cutting-edge installations, archival photos, and rich historical material make the Royal Automobile Museum a real gem for visitors with only a passing interest in cars. (And who wouldn’t want to see an authentic 1916 Cadillac?)

How to get there

The Royal Automobile Museum is located within King Hussein Park, a public park in the northwestern suburbs of Amman. It is right next to the Children’s Museum Jordan, an interactive learning center that is a hit with families. If not visiting as part of an organized tour, the best way to reach the museum from downtown Amman is to take a taxi.

When to get there

The Royal Automobile Museum is open from Saturday to Thursday, 10am until 7pm. On Friday, it opens an hour later at 11am. Please note that the museum is closed on Tuesdays. For visiting Amman, the ideal seasons are spring and fall. Summers can be uncomfortably hot, while winters are cold enough to bring occasional snowfall.

Exploring King Hussein Park, Amman’s green lungs

Established in 2005, King Hussein Park is the biggest public park in Amman. Visitors will find plenty of hilly green spaces here, including walking and hiking trails covering about 69 acres (28 hectares). Other areas include playgrounds, cultural exhibitions, and two of the city’s flagship museums. The park is open until 11pm and is well-lit for evening joggers.