About This Museum
The Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in Djerba portrays the essence of island traditions and the distinct characteristics of the Jerbian people, the age-old inhabitants of the mythical island known as the “Island of the Lotophages.” The museum brings together traditional objects organized by themes. Additionally, it showcases models, life-sized scenes, and posters. These displays enable Jerbians to relive their daily experiences, from arduous labor to festive occasions, all while embracing the passion and enchantment of artisanal mastery. The museum is well worth a visit, not only for its collections of costumes, jewelry, and pottery, but also for the captivating setting that houses them.
Djerba Museum of Traditions, history, heritage, and craftsmanship
Located on the outskirts of Houmt Souk, en route to the beach, this museum occupies a former zaouïa. Once a place of worship, this monumental complex built around a tomb now offers an immersive experience in manual arts. The museum was originally established within the Sidi Zitouni zaouïa, which dates back to the 12th century . The governor of Djerba, Hmida Ben Ayed, expanded the mausoleum in the 18th century to honor the wise Sidi Zitouni and Sidi Ameur, proponents of the Maliki rite and Sunni theology . It opened as a museum in 1969 and was officially inaugurated under its current name on December 17, 2008, after expansion and refurbishment .
The museum houses local craft objects and models to illustrate different aspects of life in Djerba. Its visit offers a structured museographic journey through several thematic rooms: agriculture, fishing, pottery, weaving, goldsmithing, and even a room dedicated to marriage, showcasing the rites and traditions of the island’s inhabitants . Through cloisonné and glass-inlaid jewelry, perforated pottery lamps, looms, chests, traditional costumes, Quran copies, and kitchen utensils, the museum unveils the island’s folkloric treasures, reflecting its economy and traditions . The museum also offers reenacted workshops for potters and weavers, where visitors can witness artisans at work .
Practical Information
Total area: 5,100 m²
Permanent exhibition: 720 m²
Temporary exhibition hall: 127 m²
Facilities: Conference room, interactive space, interpretation center
Visiting Hours
Winter: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Summer: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ramadan: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee
8 TND
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Museum of Djerban Traditions in Houmt Souk is housed in the former zaouia (Sufi lodge) of Sidi Zitouni, a 12th-century building. Opened in 1969 and covering 5,100 square metres, it preserves the material culture, costumes, jewellery, and crafts of Djerba's distinctive communities.
The museum's collection includes cloisonné enamel jewellery distinctive to Djerba, traditional looms and weaving equipment, bridal costumes and wedding paraphernalia of both the Muslim and Jewish communities, and working demonstrations of artisan crafts. The building itself, with its domed chambers and courtyard, is architecturally remarkable.
Cloisonné jewellery involves filling metal cells with coloured enamel to create intricate decorative patterns. Djerba has been an important centre of this craft for centuries, with distinctive techniques and patterns that differ from mainland Tunisian jewellery traditions.
The museum is in Houmt Souk, Djerba's main town, near the central market and the Borj Ghazi Mustapha fort. It is easily walkable from the ferry terminal and the main bus stop.
Entry costs approximately 8 TND. The museum is open during standard Tunisian heritage site hours, with seasonal variations.
The Traditions Museum in Houmt Souk focuses on the material culture and crafts of the Djerban communities, particularly jewellery and textiles. The Guellala Museum on the southern hill focuses more on the island's social history, pottery, and panoramic setting. Both are worth visiting on a Djerba stay.
