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Museums & galleries

Old Petra Museum

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Old Petra Museum

Old Petra Museum

The Old Petra Museum is an exhibition space located within the Petra archaeological site. It is housed in a cave originally carved by the Nabataeans, where visitors can view ancient artifacts displayed inside the rock-hewn environment.

Getting There

The museum is situated within the larger Petra site. Since the site is an expansive archaeological park, visitors typically enter through the main visitor center and walk toward the interior. The travel time depends on the pace of the walk and the point of entry, but it is accessible via the established pedestrian paths of the park.

Visit Duration

Depending on the level of interest in the artifacts and the architecture of the cave, visitors should allow approximately 45 to 90 minutes to explore the space.

When to Visit

To avoid the highest concentrations of tourists, it is advisable to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The site can get crowded during peak tourist seasons. Because the museum is located in a rock-carved space, it provides a different temperature profile than the open desert paths.

Nearby Attractions

The museum is positioned to be combined with other major sites in the area. Nearby locations include:

  • Siq: 1.1km
  • Al Khazneh: 1.6km
  • Urn Tomb: 1.8km
  • Palace Tomb: 1.9km

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

This place may not appear in the results — some sites are free to enter or sell tickets only at the gate.

Stays near Old Petra Museum

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Good to visit alongside

Siq

Nature

Siq

A narrow, shadowy gorge leading into Petra — follow its winding path for about 1.2 km and Al-Khazneh suddenly appears before you. The canyon scenery along the way is a highlight in itself.

1.1 km away

Al Khazneh

Heritage & monuments

Al Khazneh

The most spectacular sight in Petra, its two-story facade is carved directly into the rock face and lined with Corinthian columns. It's believed to be the tomb of a Nabataean king, and the legend behind its name, "the Treasury," is fascinating in its own right.

1.6 km away

Urn Tomb (Petra)

Heritage & monuments

Urn Tomb (Petra)

A grand rock-cut tomb in the section of Petra known as the "Royal Wall," named for the urn-shaped ornament atop its facade. Its builder remains unknown, but its striking cliffside facade continues to draw attention.

1.8 km away

Palace Tomb (Petra)

Heritage & monuments

Palace Tomb (Petra)

One of the Royal Tombs of Petra, its massive rock-cut facade spans 49 meters wide and 46 meters high. As one of the largest Nabataean structures in Petra, it draws a steady stream of visitors.

1.9 km away

Jebel al-Madhbah

Nature

Jebel al-Madhbah

Jebel al-Madhbah is a mountain rising within the Petra ruins, its summit home to a large Nabataean ritual site centered on an altar. Climbing the mountain lets you examine traces of ancient Nabataean worship up close.

2.0 km away

Petra Theatre

Culture & venues

Petra Theatre

This amphitheater was carved into the rock in the 1st century during the Nabataean era and sits close to the center of Petra. Climbing its three tiers of stepped seating gives a sense of the theater's grand scale.

2.0 km away