Museums in Oman
Being the capital of the nation, Muscat is an abode abundant in the resplendent and colourful history of the Sultanate, bringing to light the stories of its ancient beginnings and colonial overthrows in the form of captivating museums that are a must-see for tourists to learn more about the country, its social and political background, and cultural traditions.
BAIT AL ZUBAIR MUSEUM
The house is owned by Al Zubair bin Ali, who built it in 1914 as a residence for him. In 16/12/1995 the house was rebuilt in the same original style in order to be an Omani heritage museum. Bait Al Zubair is a private museum that opened its beautifully carved wooden doors to the public, dicated to showcasing important ethnographic artefacts that reflect the highly specialized skills and rich cultural heritage of Oman’s society, Bait Al Zubair also displays outstanding private collections of the Al Zubair family, inclusive of information about the Al Busaidi dynasty, with magnificent examples of khanjars (Omani dagger), traditional swords and firearms, ancient jewellery, and male and female attire.
Tel.: (00968) 22084700
#experienceoman
- Location : Al Saidiya Street, Old Muscat
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum was opened on 30 December 1985; it’s located in the Ministries district in Al Khuwair area. The museum shows the diversity of the Omani environment features through exhibits of topography, geology, plants, insects, wild animals and marine creatures. The museum has a lot of information that can’t be find in the books. The Museum consists of stuffed animals that are rarely found in the wild as types and species living in Oman land, and skeletons of marine creatures, birds and reptiles lived in Omani environment and died naturally.
Tel.: (00968) 24641374
www.experienceoman.om
#experienceoman
- Location : Ministries District, Al Khuwair,
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
Sultan Armed Forces Museum
The museum was opened in 1988 in the bait Al Falaj historical Fort which was built in 1845, after its restoration and renovation and by the Royal order it was converted to Sultan Armed Forces Museum. Containing excellent displays of Omani weaponry and military hardware, the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum also has a comprehensive depiction of the country’s warfare history, from the medieval ages to the modern era.
Tel.: (00968) 24312655
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Bait Al Falaj area, Darsait district, Wilayat Muttrah
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
Bait Al Barandah
Also known as the House of Naseeb, a merchant who built the residence in the late 19th century, Al Barandah is the local pronunciation of the English word ‘veranda’. The museum was named after the balcony that extends along the length of the façade on the first floor. Recounting the history of Muscat since its geological formation to the present day, Bait Al Barandah uses interactive technology that displays pictures of tectonic plate movement over the past 750 million years until today. The museum also includes documentation of the nation’s history since its inception to the present day.
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Muttrah Corniche, Muttrah
- Governorate: Muscat
The Children’s Museum
It was opened in 14/11/1990 during the Sultanate’s celebration of the 20th National Day. It contains two separate domes: the big dome (science dome) contains the museum’s objects like scientific devices and exhibits, illustrative drawings and signboards, and the small dome (administration) contains the administrative offices and other facilities. Spread across 10,000 square feet, the Children’s Museum is a favourite amongst children of all ages, and simplifies the wonders and mysteries of science in a playful environment that is engaging as it is fun, even for adults!
Tel.: (00968) 24 605368
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Shatti Al Qurum, Muscat
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
The Museum of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture
This museum was opened in 1979 and was previously was called the Sayyid Nader bin Faisal Museum. It moved to Ruwi in 1988 and was renamed the National Museum and, in 2007, the name was changed again to the Museum of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture. The museum exhibits popular Omani cultural artefacts such as swords, traditional ships and silverware. It is located next to the Abdul Ridha Sultan Mosque and the Islamic Library in Ruwi.
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Ruwi
- Governorate: Muscat
The Omani French Museum
The museum was opened on 29/1/1992, to highlight the historical relations between Oman and France. The building which was known as (Bait Fransa) was selected to be the location of the museum because of its historical and symbolism value as a residence of the French Consulate between 1896 and 1920, which was a grant from the Sultan Faisal bin Turki to the first Consul of France in Muscat in 1896
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Muscat City behind Al Alam Palace
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
Omani Heritage Village
Nestled in the premises of Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, this heritage village is a popular tourist attraction. The village is a reincarnation of a bygone era that establishes the same mystical and authentic atmosphere of a souq, giving visitors a firsthand experience of some the Sultanate of Oman’s traditional arts and crafts.
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Qantab, Shangri La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa
- Governorate: Muscat
Watch the artisans at work over handcrafted silver ware, pottery and weaving. Find the most enticing trinkets and souvenirs that will make ideal gifts to take back home.
The National Museum
A recent addition to Oman Cultural institutions, The National Museum was opened in July, 2016. As a national institution with global outreach, the museum is dedicated to ensuring that Oman’s cultural heritage is understood and appreciated not only within the Sultanate, but also internationally.
The museum is located in the heart of Muscat. There are 14 permanent galleries – The Land and the People Gallery, Maritime History Gallery, Arms and Armour Gallery, Aflaj Gallery, Currency Gallery, Prehistory and Ancient History Galleries, Splendours of Islam Gallery, Oman and the World Gallery, Intangible Heritage Gallery and Renaissance Gallery, among others.
Tel.: (00968) 22081500
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Old Muscat, Al Saidiya St
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
Land of Frankincense Museum
One of the most prominent cultural and heritage tourist destination in the Sultanate of Oman in general and in the Dhofar Governorate in particular, The Land of Frankincense is located in Al Baleed Archaeological Park, one of the World Heritage sites (UNESCO) in Oman. The Museum offers panoramic access to the history of Oman and its different regions through the ages and the cultural and archaeological evidence of the Omani heritage displayed in the History Hall. The contents of the Maritime Hall show the vocabulary of the marine environment, mastery in shipbuilding, the skill of sailing operations, maritime trade and important historical joints about Oman’s relationship with the sea. The museum provides visitors and researchers with an opportunity to learn about Oman through its long history and maritime heritage
Tel.: (00968) 23388344, 23388388, 23388304
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Al-Baleed Archeological Park, Salalah
- Governorate: Dhofar Governorate
Fatah Al-Khair Centre
The Center was opened on 1st November 2021, it’s located in Wilayat Sur. The Center exhibits the collection of Al-Arouba Sports Club showcasing the social and seafaring legacy of Sur as manifested in rich selection of artifacts collected and donated by the people of Sur, offering compelling stories about the maritime history of the city of Sur and its people. The Center includes 5 maritime and heritage halls, and display of the famous Fatah Al-Khair ship and seven other traditional boats.
Tel.:(00968) 25742032
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Sur
- Governorate: South Al Sharqiyah Governorate
Muscat Gate Museum
The museum was built in 1995 and was opened in 2001. Its located in the entrance of Muscat city between the old Muttrah neighborhood and the old city of Muscat, there is a large archway that houses the Muscat Gate. The small museum displays photographs and information on the history of this once-walled city, whose gates were once locked before sundown every night—supposedly as a safety precaution. Great place to learn the histories before visiting the old city.
www.experienceoman.om
?#experienceoman
- Location : Al Saidiya Street, Muscat
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
PLACE AND PEOPLE MUSEUM
This museum is concerned by introducing the Omani heritage, culture and traditions, which tells the story of the Omani people who witnessed the transition to the Renaissance Era (1950–1975 CE). The museum has three sections: The Old House, Clothes Museum and Modern Art Museum.
Tel.: (00968) 24711640
#experienceoman
- Location : Corniche of Muttrah
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
Tawasul Alajial Museum
It was established by Salim Al Amari in honor of his late mother to showcase her biography in collecting and preserving artifacts. She was famous for her distinctive crafting skills in silverware and rare types of gold and jewelries. Also the museum exhibits other heritage and handicrafts collection such us: pottery, swords, fishing and agriculture tools, etc.
Tel.:(00968) 99784835
#experienceoman
- Location : Taqa
- Governorate: Dhofar
BAIT AL-GHASHAM MUSEUM
It is an old house, which is one of the most important monuments in the Wilayat Wadi Al-Ma’awel. It was owned by Sayyid Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Nasser Al Ghasham Al Busaidi, then owned by Sayyid Ahmed bin Hilal bin Ali Al Busaidi, and recently owned and restored by Al Ghasham Institution. The museum has many distinctive and beautiful rooms, al subah and al sablah, fortified rooms and observation towers, large courtyard, a well and storage areas.
Tel.: (00968) 26781333, 9947 1007
Location: https?://?maps.app.goo.gl/pTDvA3iLGByu5vDU9
Managed by
Al Maamari Tours
Website: www.almaamaritours.com
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Wadi Al-Ma’awel
- Governorate: South Al Batinah Governorate
Bait Al Darwaza
The museum is named after the Darwaza, which is an arch attached upper the main gate. The museum is an old heritage house that contain all aspects of old houses, it has a ground and a rooftop yards, a well and kitchen. The house was a residential and military facility, and it was designed to allow residents and their troops to defend the house from unexpected attacks.
Tel.:(00968) 9135 5818
#experienceoman
- Location : Al Manzafa village in the Wilayat Ibra
- Governorate: North Al Sharqiya Governorate
Bidiyah Museum
This museum specializes in exhibiting the Omani heritage that features a collection of weaponry, coins, paintings, artifacts, pottery, stamps and other related items that recount the history of the Wilayat Bidiyah in particular and the Sultanate in general.
Tel.: (00968) 99350757
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Bidiyah
- Governorate: South Al Sharqiyah Governorate
AL HAMRA (NUMISMATIC) MUSEUM
The museum is a heritage old house that documents the history of money in the world and displays the various versions of notes and coins used in Oman since 1970 until today.
Tel.: (00968) 99779581
#experienceoman
- Location : Al Hamra
- Governorate: Al Dakhilyah Governorate
ABNAA MAJAN MUSEUM
It presents the history of Suwehara city in Wilayat Sohar, where the heritage of the people of the coast meets with heritage of the people of the interior. It displays diverse collections such as weapons, coins, agricultural and heritage tools that have been practiced and inherited over generations.
Note: Temporarily closed for maintenance
Tel.: (00968) 99199250
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Sohar
- Governorate: North Al Batinah Governorate
Bin Norook Museum
The museum exhibits the biography of the founder Ahmed Bin Norook. The museum consists of documents gallery, Ahmed Bin Norook gallery, Izza gallery, the royal gallery and the world gallery. It displays a collection of heritage artifacts including, rare photos, heritage furniture, women sewing and knitting tools, old stamps, etc.
Tel.: (00968) 99339323
Note: Temporarily closed for maintenance
#experienceoman
- Location : Sohar
- Governorate: North Al Batinah Governorate
The Old Castle Museum
Displays Omani heritage through variety of antiquities and heritage collection such as weapons, coins, paintings, artifacts, pottery, stamps and other related items, which aims to present Omani history and heritage.
Tel.: (00968) 93200166, 99259529
Note: Temporarily closed
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat of Al-Kamil and Al-Wafi
- Governorate: South Sharqiyah
Al-Afiya Heritage Museum
It is a heritage museum that includes various heritage collections, which displays more than three thousand heritage objects, some of them dating back to more than three centuries. It contains several rooms, such as the traditional Omani majlis that made of palm trees, traditional agricultural and irrigation tools, and antique wooden doors. The other rooms display a collection of ancient coins, old household tools, weapons, pottery and other inherited heritage objects.
Tel.: (00968) 99444373
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat of Sur
- Governorate: South Al-Sharqiya
AMJAD OMAN MUSEUM
The museum exhibits artifacts including, daggers, swords, traditional weapons, coins, documents and manuscripts, ships models, fishing tools and traditional equipment’s, traditional cloths, and other.
- Location : Sohar
- Governorate: North Al Batinah Governorate
Madha Museum
The Museum displays a collection of archaeological and heritage artifacts including, rock inscriptions, fossils, weapons, coins, stones, manuscripts, documents, jewelries, pottery pots, and other.
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Madha
- Governorate: Musandam Governorate
BAIT ADAM MUSEUM
Located in Madinate Al Sultan Qaboos, Next to the Arab Open University. Small in its area, yet large in the quality and diversity of its artefacts, the Bait Adam museum is a treasure-trove of Omani antiquity, reflecting on the country’s rich past, and takes visitors into 5000 years of the Sultanate’s history. The museum is considered to be the holder of one of the finest coin collections of Oman and its dominions.
Tel.: (00968) 99356676
#experienceoman
- Location : Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
The Currency Museum
The museum was opened in 1999; it is a section in the Central Bank of Oman, which exhibit the history of currency used in Oman since ancient times. The museum is located in the Central Bank of Oman building in Ruwi district, Muscat Governorate.
Tel.: (00968) 24777575
#experienceoman
- Location : The Central Bank of Oman building in Ruwi district
- Governorate: Muscat Governorate
Oman Across Ages Museum
Oman Across Ages Museum, a brand-new national Museum was inaugurated on 13th March 2023 by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik in the Wilayat of Manah, the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah.
The museum highlights the unique character of the Sultanate of Oman, its ancient history and, it’s renaissance, which keeps gaining grounds locally and internationally.
The idea of the museum’s design was derived from the shape of the Omani rocks and Al Hajar Mountains range. The unique design reflects the Omani environment and also integrates the Omani environment through the stones used in its construction and its trees.
The area dedicated to permanent exhibits alone is 9,000 square meters, and some of the galleries rise more than 20 meters. This provides the latitude and the room needed to produce something truly spectacular, appropriate for Oman’s rich history, both physically and figuratively.
The museum halls take the visitor around on a narrative journey through time, starting from the late prehistoric eras until the present day. The permanent exhibition wings are divided into two: The History Gallery and the Renaissance Gallery.
The History Gallery show cases historical eras, namely, the geological formation of the Land of Oman, the Stone Age, represented by the wing of the Early settlers, the Bronze Age, represented by the wing of the Civilization of Magan, the Iron Age, represented by the wing of the Kingdom of Oman, in addition to pavilions titled “Embracing Islam”, the “Al Ya’ariba Dynasty” and the “Al Busaidi Dynasty”.
The Renaissance Gallery was designed with an open space with gigantic columns in the centre which form an interactive space for the state of the art audio-visual display presentation that deals with the first five years of the blessed renaissance, exploring various aspects of social, economic, industrial, and political transformation experienced by Oman .
Knowledge Centre is divided into three floors targeting all segments of society. It occupies a total area of 6000 sqm. The second floor include the Library of Hisn Al Shomoukh, which was transferred from Hisn Al Shomoukh to Oman Across Ages Museum. The library contains more than 46,000 titles in various areas of knowledge and it is equipped with devices that allow researchers to access their desired titles and reference books in hard copy and digital copy.
Opening hours: Throughout the year:
Section | Saturday – Thursday | Friday |
Main Gate Knowledge Center Museum Facilities |
09:00 am - 09:00 pm 10:00 am - 09:00 pm (During Ramadan) |
09:00 am - 09:00 pm 09:00 am - 09:00 pm (During Ramadan) |
Museum Exhibition Halls | 09:00am- 05:00 pm 10:00 am - 05:00 pm (During Ramadan) |
1:30pm - 07:00 pm 1:30pm - 07:00 pm (During Ramadan) |
The museum is closed on the first day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Contact: 25202000
Email: oaam@rca.gov.om
www.oaam.om
Admission Fee:
Class | Price |
---|---|
Citizens and citizens of GCC countries | 1 OMR |
Residents | 2 OMR |
Tourists | 5 OMR |
- Location : Manah
- Governorate: Al Dakhiliyah
GENERATION CONTINUITY MUSEUM
It was established by Salim Al Amari in honor of his late mother to showcase her biography in collecting and preserving artifacts. She was famous for her distinctive crafting skills in silverware and rare types of gold and jewelries. Also the museum exhibits other heritage and handicrafts collection such us: pottery, swords, fishing and agriculture tools, etc.
Tel.: (00968) 99784835
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Taqa
- Governorate: Dhofar Governorate
GATEWAY OF THE PAST MUSEUM
The Gateway of the Past Museum was officially opened in 2023 within a historic house. It features nine halls that showcase a diverse collection of archaeological and heritage artefacts, including weaponry, coins, manuscripts, documents, jewellery, silverware, household utensils, pottery, copper utensils, and more.
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Nizwa
- Governorate: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate
Bait Alsharaf Museum
Opened in 2023, the Bait Alsharaf Museum is situated within an ancient heritage house in Al-Aqr village. It comprises several rooms which showcase various aspects of traditional life. For example, one room exhibits doors that were used in the past, while another room demonstrates the process of extracting and manufacturing rose water, which visitors can experience during the spring season. The museum also features a room displaying old photos of the village and another room exhibiting a collection of heritage items.
Tel.: (00968) 99460425
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Al Jabal Al Akhdar
- Governorate: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate
Bait Al Minzfa Museum
Established in 2023 AD, the Bait Al Minzfa Museum consists of two halls: the Majzi Hall and the Al-Busaidi Hall. It presents a range of artefacts documenting and narrating the history of human life in the Sultanate of Oman before 1970 AD. The collection includes palm and wooden artefacts, traditional weapons, correspondence, historical documents, speeches, and sermons, some of which date back over hundred and fifty years.
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Ibri
- Governorate: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate
Nizwa Museum
Opened in 2023 AD, the Nizwa Museum comprises nine halls that showcase a variety of heritage items, such as pottery, jewellery, copper tools, palm fronds, woodwork, and documents. The museum offers visitors an immersive historical journey by providing insights into Omani heritage.
Tel.: (00968) 97766779
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Nizwa
- Governorate: Al Dakhiliyah Governorate
AL-AFIYA HERITAGE MUSEUM
It is a heritage museum that includes various heritage collections, which displays more than three thousand heritage objects, some of them dating back to more than three centuries. It contains several rooms, such as the traditional Omani majlis that made of palm trees, traditional agricultural and irrigation tools, and antique wooden doors. The other rooms display a collection of ancient coins, old household tools, weapons, pottery and other inherited heritage objects.
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Sur
- Governorate: South Al-Sharqiya Governorate
Al-Hamidi Heritage Museum
Established in 2023, the Al-Hamidi Heritage Museum boasts a large exhibition hall where a wide array of heritage items are on display. Visitors can explore pottery, palm fronds, leather goods, Bedouin women’s adornments, jewellery, marine tools, ancient date and honey products, books and documents, handkerchiefs, and old weapons.
Tel.: (00968) 93634588
#experienceoman
- Location : Wilayat Jaalan Bani Bu Ali
- Governorate: South Al Sharqiyah Governorate