Bethlehem Bride

Bethlehem, once called ‘the Paris of Palestine’, was an epicentre of fashion in the 19th and early 20th centuries with the widespread popularity of its beautifully hand-embroidered garments and accessories. The most iconic of these was the thob al-malak, or ‘royal dress’, worn on special occasions and made from handwoven linen and silk, with long, pointed sleeves and densely intricate embroidery in silk and metal threads. 

 A quintessential wedding gown for both Muslim and Christian brides at the time, the thob al-malak was paired with a matching bolero jacket, an elaborate coin headdress, silver jewellery, and an elegant veil. Palestinian embroidery — tatreez in Arabic —is a richly coded and communicative art form with each motif carrying its own name and symbolic meaning.

Step into history by visiting the Bethlehem bridal ensemble – a captivating glimpse of the Museum’s celebrated acquisition of the Widad Kawar Collection of Arab Dress and Heritage Arts. This remarkable collection features nearly 600 textiles and objects carefully selected by Mrs. Widad Kawar of Amman, Jordan, from her private collection.

Bethlehem Bride is free with General Admission.

The Widad Kawar Collection of Arab Dress and Heritage Arts. Generously supported by the Louise Hawley Stone Charitable Trust and a partial gift from Amin Kawar and the Estate of Kamel Kawar.