Microcosm of a Nation pays tribute to the iconic Palace Hotel in Jerusalem, a building which opened in 1929 during the era of British colonial rule over Palestine. The building stands as a testament to the deep-rooted Palestinian influence in both the nation’s construction and tourism industries from the early 20th century onwards. With its concrete structure and limestone cladding, the Palace Hotel showcased the cutting-edge advancements in building materials and techniques prevalent in the country. Its architectural style brings together a plethora of global and regional influences, including Greco-Roman, Andalusian, and Ottoman elements. Within its walls, the hotel boasted a grand entrance hall adorned with marble arabesque designs, complemented by guest accommodations equipped with modern amenities, luxurious four-poster beds and private telephone lines.

The Palace Hotel is not merely a testament to architectural brilliance; it encapsulates the tumultuous political journey of Palestine throughout more than a century of colonial intervention. In its initial years, the hotel played host to pivotal moments of national importance. Notably, the 1933 and 1934 pan-Arab Exhibitions took place within its walls, showcasing the artistic, artisanal and industrial prowess from across the Arab world. These exhibitions underscored Jerusalem's role in the modern Arab cultural and economic nahda (‘renaissance’). Regrettably, these aspirations were dashed as the hotel came under British colonial administration in the late 1930s and was subsequently seized by Israeli colonial authorities in 1948.

In 2008, the Hilton Hotels Corporation, operating under the luxurious Waldorf Astoria chain, assumed control of the property. Under the guise of 'renovation’, the hotel was gutted, leaving only its external limestone façade intact. Tragically, the remnants of the original Palace Hotel—including pillars, tiles, lamps, kitchenware and artworks—were plundered, with some items finding their way into Israeli auction markets. Yet, the architecture remains a silent witness to the building’s forgotten history. Adorning the original façade is a meticulously carved stone plaque inscribed in Arabic, proclaiming:

As our predecessors built and achieved, we too build and achieve. This lodge was erected by the Supreme Muslim Council in Palestine in 1929.