Wujoud Museum – Palestinian Heritage in the Old City

Community museum in the Old City showcasing Palestinian heritage and daily life

Overview

The Wujoud Museum is a community-based cultural space located in a beautifully restored 650-year-old Mamluk building in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City. Established by the Arab Orthodox Society, the museum offers visitors an intimate look at Palestinian heritage through carefully curated displays of traditional furniture, clothing, tools, and household items.

Each room represents a different aspect of daily life, from the kitchen and olive press to the bridal chamber, providing a window into how Palestinian families lived for generations.

Cultural and Community Role

Unlike large national museums, the Wujoud Museum tells the story of ordinary people — farmers, artisans, women, and children — who shaped Jerusalem’s social fabric. It preserves not only objects but also the intangible cultural heritage of family, hospitality, and resilience.

By showcasing Palestinian life within the Old City walls, the museum asserts a narrative often overshadowed by political realities, reminding visitors that Jerusalem is not just a holy city but also a living Palestinian community. Its setting in a historic Mamluk building adds another layer of authenticity, connecting visitors to centuries of urban life in Jerusalem.

What to Experience

Explore traditional household rooms, each themed around Palestinian daily life.

View displays of embroidery, jewelry, and tools passed down through generations.

Learn about the Arab Orthodox Society, which manages the museum and supports community initiatives.

Enjoy the ambiance of a restored Mamluk-era building in the Christian Quarter.

Visitor Information

Location: Haret Al-Saadiyya, Christian Quarter, Old City of Jerusalem
Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00 (closed Sat–Sun)
Contact: +972-2-627-2692 | araborthodoxsociety@gmail.com
 Entry: Donation-based (proceeds support community programs)
Note: Narrow Old City alleys may be challenging for those with mobility issues