Petra, a world-renowned rose-colored city and ancient Nabatean capital, once thrived as a global trade hub. Hidden in Wadi Musa’s desert cliffs, it was lost for centuries before being rediscovered in the 1800s. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a New Wonder of the World, visitors now enter Petra through the Siq, an unfolding rock passageway of soaring height leading to the Treasury. However, the chaotic, unplanned and non-uniform development around Wadi Musa has impacted the area’s aesthetic. To address this, a Strategic Master Plan is born. At the entrance of the master plan the Petra Gateway delicately transfers the visitor from the chaotic setting of Wadi Musa to the serene journey in Petra. This site mitigates movement through a coherent urban solution that includes a modernized visitor’s center, multiple plazas, an existing old hotel and the proposed Petra Museum.

The Petra Museum stands as a bridge between ancient heritage and the present, showcasing the artifacts of the Nabatean city and preserving its archaeological treasures. Designed to blend seamlessly with Petra’s stunning natural landscape, the museum respects the grandeur of the historic site rather than competing with it. This 2000 m² space invites visitors to immerse themselves in Petra’s story through gallery halls and audio-visual displays, while also capturing breathtaking views of the descending Wadi and canyon formations beyond. At night, the museum’s façade lights up, reflecting the mystery of the Siq’s journey.

In harmony with its surroundings, the museum’s structure draws from the natural landscape. Its lower walls are carved from local stone to mirror Petra’s textures and colors, while a minimalist upper structure celebrates the connection between the past and present. Reflective water beds add cooling comfort to the desert heat, and vibrant outdoor plazas welcome both locals and visitors as community gathering spaces.

With local stone and traditional techniques, the museum not only enriches Petra’s legacy but also boosts the local economy, creating jobs and involving the community. Blending social sustainability and cultural preservation, the Petra Museum and its master plan aim to shape a sustainable, vibrant future for Petra and Wadi Musa.

Watch documentary here Petra Museum