The Museum of Parliamentary Life in Jordan has officially become a member of the Paris-based International Council of Museums (ICOM) on Monday, Petra news agency reported.

The Director of the Museum, Maher Nafash, said that joining a global network such as ICOM is a good opportunity to communicate and share experiences with museums worldwide.

The chance of being a member of ICOM will benefit Jordan from global expertise available in the world council through the periodical training courses on how to preserve museums, collectibles and safety of museums, Jihad Kafafi, the Curator in Jordan Museum said.

The ICOM is a non-governmental organisation maintaining formal relations with UNESCO. It was created in 1946 as the only organization of museums with a global scope, committed to the promotion and protection of natural and cultural heritage. It has around 35,000 members in 137 countries.

The Museum of Parliamentary Life, that is owned by the Ministry of Culture, is first-of-its-kind in Jordan and models the parliamentary life in the kingdom. It aims to highlight the efforts exerted by the Hashemite leadership to establish Jordan over the past few decades.

It was opened in April 2016 as part of the celebrations marking the Great Arab Revolution centennial, and it coincided with the anniversary of forming the first legislative council on April 2, 1929, marking the launch of Jordan’s parliamentary life.

The items showcased in the museum tell the story of the progress of accumulative parliamentary work and the development of the Kingdom since its establishment.

The museum building was used as the Parliament between the years 1947 and 1978. During that time it witnessed important events, including the declaration of Jordan’s independence, the accession of their Majesties the late King Talal and King Hussein to the Throne, the adoption of the Constitution in 1952 and the decision to unite the East and West Banks.

It is located in the old Parliament building near the 1st Circle area at the corner of the Islamic Sciences College and Khalil al-Mutran street. The museum does not charge admission fee and receives visitors from 10 am – 2:30 pm accompanied by guides speaking Arabic and English.

For more information: Visit Jordan- Museums