During our time in Amman, we had the opportunity to visit the Royal Automobile Museum. This museum is a must-see for anyone interested in history, cars, or Jordan’s royal heritage. Established in 2003 by King Abdullah II, the museum serves as a tribute to his father, King Hussein of Jordan. King Hussein had a deep passion for automobiles. The collection showcases more than just cars—it reflects the modernization of Jordan, the legacy of the monarchy, and the evolving relationship between Jordan and the rest of the world.
Initial Impressions of the Royal Automobile Museum
Walking through the Royal Automobile Museum felt like stepping back in time. Each vehicle seemed to tell a story about Jordan’s history. The exhibits include everything from vintage Rolls-Royces, classic Mercedes-Benz models, and Cadillacs to rugged military vehicles, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and high-performance sports cars. Many of these cars played a significant role in Jordan’s political and cultural history. Some were used in important diplomatic events others were personally driven by the late King Hussein. One of the most impressive pieces on display is the Lincoln Capri that King Hussein drove during his 1955 visit to Jerusalem. Historically, this was a pivotal moment in Jordanian history.
Military and Off-Road Vehicles
One section of the museum highlights the role of military and off-road vehicles. This section showcased armored jeeps and desert-ready Land Rovers used by the royal family. These vehicles illustrate Jordan’s strategic and geopolitical importance in the region. Another fascinating part of the collection is the display of luxury cars and sports vehicles, including a Mercedes 600 Pullman, a Ferrari F40, and several Aston Martins—a nod to King Hussein’s love of speed and performance engineering.
Don’t Forget Hollywood
Beyond automobiles, the museum also includes unexpected gems, such as a replica of the Mars Rover from The Martian. We later visited Wadi Rum where this Hollywood film that was shot. This addition highlights Jordan’s increasing role in international cinema and space research collaborations. Seeing this piece alongside century-old cars provided a unique contrast, showing how Jordan has embraced both its historic past and futuristic aspirations.
Curation at the Royal Automobile Museum
One of the aspects we appreciated most was how well-curated the museum is. Each vehicle is accompanied by detailed historical context, photographs, and multimedia presentations that explain its significance. The museum doesn’t just focus on cars. It also gives insight into Jordan’s modernization, its royal family’s global engagement, and the country’s technological advancements. The lighting, layout, and display quality were impressive. It was easy to follow the progression of Jordan’s history through its vehicles.
We spent about forty-five minutes exploring the exhibits. We appreciated both the craftsmanship of the vehicles and the fascinating stories they represented. The museum’s design makes it accessible and engaging for all visitors, whether you are a car enthusiast or simply interested in Jordanian history.
Final Impressions
For car lovers, history buffs, and anyone interested in unique museums, the Royal Automobile Museum is an excellent stop in Amman. The collection is diverse, the layout is immersive, and the historical connections make it more than just a display of automobiles. The museum is a tribute to Jordan’s past, its modernization, and its royal legacy. If you’re in Amman, this museum is definitely worth a visit!
