Parliamentary life museum opens on anniversary of Jordan’s first legislature

AMMAN — Deputising for His Majesty King Abdullah, Lower House Speaker Atef Tarawneh on Saturday inaugurated the Museum of Parliamentary Life as part of the celebrations marking the Great Arab Revolt’s centennial, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The opening of the museum, located in the old Parliament building near the 1st Circle area, comes in parallel 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.

Culture Minister Lana Mamkegh said the museum is a historical location that carries cultural importance.

She said the Prime Ministry formed a committee that worked on reviving the old parliament building and rehabilitating it to raise the awareness of Jordanians from all ages of the Kingdom’s history. 

The museum showcases a “pivotal period” of Jordan’s political and social history, particularly from 1947 until 1979. 

The building was there during important events, including the declaration of 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.

Several former ministers, MPs, senators, officials and citizens attended the opening ceremony.