Jerash is easier to understand with a little help. Three stops turn its scattered stones into one story: the Visitor Centre, which introduces the whole site; the Sanctuary of Zeus Exhibition, set in the vaults beneath the temple; and the Archaeological Museum, where the objects of everyday life — coins, pottery, jewellery and mosaics — show how people lived here for thousands of years.
Where Are the Visitor Centre and Museums?
The Visitor Centre is at the entrance to the archaeological park, the natural place to begin. The Sanctuary of Zeus Exhibition lies in the vaults below the Temple of Zeus, part of a visit to the Sanctuary of Zeus. The Archaeological Museum stands on Camp Hill, east of the Cardo Maximus and overlooking the Oval Plaza.
History of the Museums
The first museum opened in 1923 in a vault of the Sanctuary of Artemis. In the early 1970s a Visitor Centre opened for orientation and visitor services, and in 1985 the museum moved to the former rest house on Camp Hill. In the late 20th century an exhibition opened in the vaults below the Temple of Zeus, presenting finds from the excavation of the sanctuary, with support from the Louvre. In 2015 the Visitor Centre was renewed with new maps, displays and audiovisual material.
What’s Inside
The Visitor Centre introduces the history of Jerash with information boards, a short film and a scale model of the site — the easiest way to see how the sanctuaries, streets and gates fit together before you start walking. The Zeus exhibition places its finds inside the temple’s own massive vaulted substructure. The museum’s displays are arranged by period, from the Neolithic to the Mamluk era.
Visitor Centre
Maps, a scale model of the ancient city, an introductory film and licensed local guides.
Sanctuary of Zeus Exhibition
A display in the vaulted substructure of the sanctuary, presenting finds from its excavation.
Archaeological Museum
Finds from Jerash and its region, from the Neolithic period to the Mamluk era.
Coins, Pottery and Mosaics
Coins, jewellery, glass, inscriptions, sculpture and mosaic panels bring daily life into view.
jerash-archaeological-museum-schematic
Tap the drawing to open it full size.
Open drawing
Visiting Today
Start at the Visitor Centre: pick up a map, study the model and ask about guides. Pause at the Zeus exhibition when you reach the Oval Plaza and the Temple of Zeus, and keep time for the museum before you leave.
Allow about an hour for all three. They are a welcome pause from the sun between the long walks through the ruins.
