Artifacts & Antiquities Collection

Al-Mathaf houses many rare antiquities found in Gaza from various historical periods, dating as far back as the Bronze Age (3500 BCE). The museum showcases tools, columns, motifs, coins, glass and pottery from the Roman and Byzantine periods, the Islamic period, the Crusader periods, and more. The collection continues up through the modern era with the Egyptian Administration of the Gaza Strip, which ended in 1967. Each display features explanations of the artifacts in several languages and presentations are designed for the wide variety of visitors to the museum, which includes children, families, researchers and professionals, and special guests of Gaza.

 

The Restaurant

 

Al-Mathaf includes a multi-functional indoor hall and restaurant with an area of more than four hundred and fifty square meters, which has the flexibility to be used for seminars, conferences, personal events, weddings and a variety of other occasions.  The hall itself is designed and built with a strong attention to detail and features aged timber, copper trim and décor, modern lighting and brilliant locally-made crystal and glass chandeliers.  Even the materials used in the construction have a rich history to them.  The aged timbers featured in the construction throughout the hall were once the railroad ties that held down the railway line that linked the Gaza Strip to Egypt in days past.

As for its menu, the restaurant offers a selection of distinguished local and international dishes to serve individuals and groups, alike.  All dishes are prepared by highly skilled chefs using the finest ingredients and served by a specialized team of waiters to ensure the best service to our guests.

Terrace

Al-Mathaf’s unique terrace functions as a transitional space between the indoor restaurant and the outdoor gardens. The terrace is covered with a traditionally-styled wooden gazebo and features bamboo chairs, couches, and tables.

 

Green outdoor spaces

Al-Mathaf has beautiful outdoor gardens covering more than two thousand square meters that contain a variety of different flowers, plants and palm trees, ancient columns, as well as beautiful water elements including koi ponds, water plants, waterfalls and fountains. The gardens feature a variety of seating spaces including small private tables and larger tables for families, all connected by pedestrian walkways that cross over the ponds and pools.

Children’s courts and facilities

For families with children "Al-Mathaf" has allocated a special area for children's games, taking in consideration all aspects of comfort and safety, kids and children will able to entertain themselves with games suitable for several age groups.

Hotel

As a second phase, Al-Mathaf is working on the construction of a boutique hotel, which will feature traditionally designed rooms with a sea view, as well as multi-purpose halls and facilities to provide business services, as well as health, fitness, and spa facilities.

We Welcome You

Your visit to Al-Mathaf will expose you not only to the rich cultural heritage of Gaza but also to the warm hospitality, beautiful scenery and outstanding service that characterizes the spirit of Al-Mathaf.  It is this spirit that will leave its mark on you and have you reflecting on the saying of the late Mahmoud Darwish, “We have on this earth what makes life worth living.”