Amman, May 18 (Petra) – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, attended the Department of Antiquities (DoA)’s celebration of International Museum Day (IMD) on Sunday, marked under the theme: “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies.”

Speaking at the ceremony, Annab said IMD is an occasion celebrated annually in appreciation of the “vital” role of museums in preserving human heritage and promoting understanding and dialogue among peoples and cultures.

The minister added that the DoA is the national body tasked to protecting Jordan’s cultural and archaeological heritage.

Since its establishment, she noted the DoA has made “tremendous” efforts to preserve the Kingdom’s ancient legacy, which bears testimony to the successive civilizations on its land.

The department, she stated, is working “tirelessly to protect and maintain archaeological sites and participates in the fields of scientific research, community education, and development of national museums to become vibrant interactive platforms.”

The minister indicated that 2025 theme emphasizes importance of linking museums to issues of development, sustainability, and cultural justice.

At the national level, she indicated that these concepts enjoy keenness of Jordan’s institutions to promote under “diligent” plans, local and international partnerships, and investment in qualified human resources.

Meanwhile, DoA Director, Dr. Fawzi Abu Danna, stated museums “are not merely avenues to display artifacts, but rather educational and cultural institutions that play an effective role in spreading community awareness of the importance of heritage.”

He said the department is working to develop the Kingdom’s museum system, in parallel with its efforts to protect and maintain archaeological sites,

Additionally, he underlined this development aims to update display methods, expand community engagement programs, and integrate modern technologies for documentation.

Abu Danna noted that celebrating IMD provides an opportunity to strengthen partnerships between the Kingdom’s public and private sectors, academic institutions, and the local community, to build a generation to protect its heritage.

The events, held in several archaeological museums across various governorates, featured guided tours, interactive workshops for children and youth and scientific lectures focused on strengthening the museums’ role as research and educational centers that keep pace with societal and digital shifts.
//Petra// AG
18/05/2025 16:02:39