The Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali House Museum project is a conservation and adaptive reuse initiative that transformed the historic residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali in Aqaba into a museum commemorating his life and legacy. The house, dating back to 1918–1922, played a pivotal role in the events surrounding the Great Arab Revolt and the formation of modern Jordan. Previously used as the Aqaba Archaeological Museum under the Department of Antiquities, the house underwent a comprehensive renovation under the direction of the Royal Hashemite Court, with the aim of preserving its architectural heritage and repurposing it as a cultural landmark.

The project focused on the structural and architectural rehabilitation of the building, while also developing a comprehensive museographic plan. The new museum layout includes seven galleries arranged around a central courtyard, designed to narrate the story of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and the broader historical context of the Great Arab Revolt. The work included exhibit design, interpretive graphics, display showcases, and multimedia presentation tools, creating a modern, engaging visitor experience while maintaining the integrity of the original structure.

This project demonstrates a successful model of adaptive reuse, revitalizing a significant historical site to serve educational and cultural purposes for future generations.

Project Description 

The Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali House Museum project aimed to preserve and celebrate one of Jordan’s most important heritage landmarks. As the former residence of Sharif Hussein bin Ali during a transformative period in the early 20th century, the house is a symbol of leadership, Arab identity, and resistance. By converting the house into a museum, the project sought to safeguard its historical significance and make it accessible to the public in an educational and engaging format.

The primary objectives were to:

• Rehabilitate and conserve the building’s architectural fabric with sensitivity to its historic character.
• Design a museum experience that tells the story of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and the Great Arab Revolt.
• Engage both local and international audiences in Jordan’s modern history.
• Create a sustainable cultural destination that enhances Aqaba’s heritage tourism offering.

Target audiences included school and university students, Jordanian and regional visitors, researchers, and tourists interested in Middle Eastern history and heritage.

Outcomes achieved include the full restoration and structural rehabilitation of the building, the creation of thematic galleries with curated content, interpretive displays, and multimedia installations that guide visitors through key episodes of Sharif Hussein’s life and the Great Arab Revolt. The museum now serves as a cultural and educational hub, contributing to national identity and collective memory, while also supporting local tourism.

The project was guided by a multidisciplinary team, combining architectural restoration expertise with content curation and modern exhibit design, ensuring a balance between conservation and contemporary museography.

The project addressed the need to preserve a site of national historical significance and reinterpret it for public engagement. The design focused on minimal intervention to respect the original architecture while enhancing the narrative through exhibit design. By transforming a neglected heritage asset into an accessible museum, the project ensures the preservation of memory, supports cultural tourism, and fosters national pride.

The Al Sharif Hussein bin Ali House is a site of profound cultural and historical significance in Jordan. As the residence of a key figure in the Great Arab Revolt and a symbol of Hashemite leadership, the house represents the roots of the modern Jordanian state. Its transformation into a museum preserves this legacy and provides public access to an important chapter of national identity. The project reinforces a shared cultural memory, strengthens pride in Jordan’s heritage, and contributes to historical education for current and future generations.