Project Title: Study and Implementation of the “Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth” (MuLPE)
Acronym: MuLPE
Coordinator / Supervisor: Professor Georgios Papaioannou (Lead Museologist)
Type of Funding: International Development / Government Funding
Funding Source: Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Jordan) / European Union / World Bank
Dates: 2007 – 2012
Project Website
Project Overview
The Museum at the Lowest Place on Earth is a landmark project located at Ghor es-Safi, near the Dead Sea in Jordan, at an elevation of approximately 405 meters below sea level. Professor Georgios Papaioannou served as the lead museologist, overseeing the strategic design and exhibition implementation of this award-winning facility.
Key components of the project include:
– Archaeological Significance: The museum was designed to house and display finds from the nearby Sanctuary of Lot, including world-renowned Byzantine mosaics and Bronze Age artifacts.
– Exhibition Design: The permanent gallery features a circular architectural flow, showcasing the laboratory conservation of textiles and the regional history of the Dead Sea basin.
– Sustainability & Innovation: The project emphasized “green” museum practices and community involvement, providing a cultural anchor for the local Safi community.
– International Recognition: The museum is considered a model for modern archaeology in the Middle East, successfully integrating high-tech conservation facilities with traditional storytelling.