The Makkah (Mecca) Museum

Al-Zaher Palace Museum or the Makkah Museum is a historical museum that is a 10-15 minute drive away from Haram. It is a two storey building which is surrounded by gardens. The museum displays the history of Makkah and houses many archaeological collections from the different periods of Islamic history in the region.

Activities

In the museum, you will find history galleries, a gift shop, collection storage, a café, a library, an auditorium, and exhibits. Muslims and Islamic history students will find this tour very satisfactory as the museum has 7 halls that contain more than 100,000 artifacts among which many are hundreds of years old. From the architecture of the building to the exhibits, the museum is a testament to the glory of Muslims that have ruled for centuries. The architecture of the building is a blend of traditional Islamic style with modern technology. There are displays of the Holy Quran’s old manuscripts from different eras. In addition, touristss can learn about the process of codification of Arabic language after the death of Muhammad (S.A.W). 

Inside the museum is a theatre that displays Allah’s beautiful names. Due to the pools located at the building perimeter, the museum appears to be resting in water, symbolizing how this place intends to rejuvenate our faith. The museum also acts like a place where Muslims of different cultures can come and exchange information about how they practice and view Islam. 

About the museum

There are separate washrooms for men and women and a praying area beside the museum entrance. It also offers zamzam which visitors can drink for free. The staff is friendly, with female staff hired to guide female visitors in different languages. The museum opens for visitors in the evening, which is why it is better to confirm timings beforehand. 

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