When you think of Amman, what comes to mind? Bustling markets, ancient ruins, perhaps even a night out at the Rovers Return? Sure, there’s plenty to keep you occupied, but if you want to dive into something truly surreal, the Royal Automobile Museum is where you need to be.
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A Kingdom on Wheels
Inaugurated in 2003, the Royal Automobile Museum isn’t just the first of its kind in the Middle East—it’s a petrolhead’s dream, with a twist of regal history. Officially, it showcases the collection of the late King Hussein of Jordan, but let’s be real—this place is a treasure trove of some of the most extravagant, rare, and downright bizarre vehicles you could imagine.
What’s on Display?
Cars, cars, and more cars. We’re talking Bugattis, Ferraris, and everything in between. But the Royal Automobile Museum isn’t just a place for luxury automobiles; it’s a bizarre medley of movie props, military hardware, and even some aquatic oddities. The James Bond underwater BMW? Check. The Mars rover replica from The Martian? Sure, why not. The speeder from Star Wars, filmed partially in? Absolutely, and it’s as cool as you’d hope.
And then there’s the bike from Tron. Yep, it’s here too. If that doesn’t make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alternate reality, I don’t know what will. Throw in a submarine and an amphibious car, and you’ve got yourself one hell of a day out at the Royal Automobile Museum.
A Surreal Encounter
What makes the Royal Automobile Museum truly fascinating isn’t just the vehicles themselves, but the context. This is a place where opulence meets the surreal. You’ll hear locals and guides gush about the love for the royal family, particularly King Hussein, whose collection forms the backbone of the museum. But as you wander through this gallery of excess, you might start to feel a bit uneasy. It’s hard to ignore the stark contrast between the wealth on display and the poverty that exists in parts of Jordan.
This whole experience reminds me of North Korea’s International Friendship Exhibition at Mount Myohyang—a celebration of gifts, displayed more as symbols of status than objects of use. It’s a little unsettling, but that’s all part of the experience. And maybe it’s just the old leftie in me talking, but it’s hard not to question the ethics of such a display.
A Must-Visit in Jordan
Regardless of where you stand on the moral implications, the Royal Automobile Museum is a must-visit. It’s one of those places that you can’t quite believe exists until you see it with your own eyes. Whether you’re a gearhead or just someone looking for a unique experience, this museum delivers.
Getting There
The museum is located in Amman, Jordan—just plug “XRMG+GHV, Amman” into your map app, and you’ll find it easily enough. It’s not something you want to miss, whether you’re taking a right turn from Israel and Palestine or flying directly into Amman. Just be prepared for a journey into the surreal.
Oh, and if you’re curious about what else Jordan has to offer, check out the itinerary for YPT’s Jordan tour. Just don’t expect any of this to change much after the next election—things tend to stay the same around here.
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