Oman Art & Culture

The best museums to visit in Oman

By Centara Hotels & Resorts Posted on 26 Aug 20

When you think of Oman, you probably think of the country’s rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance. But this beautiful country also has a fascinating history, with rare items on display and plenty of fascinating artifacts to learn more about. Oman is home to innumerable museums, attracting tourists from every corner of the world throughout the year.

To truly appreciate what makes a country special, one must become familiar with its unique path to development and its identity in the modern world. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the nicest museums in Oman, so that you can start to see the country in a new way – and at the same time, make the most of your next visit.

The National Museum

The best museums to visit in Oman

The National Museum of Oman is located at Al Saidiya Street, opposite Al Alam Palace in Muscat. The museum was established by royal decree in the year 2013, and opened to the public in 2016. This magnificent, all-white structure covers over 13,700 square metres, making it one of the largest galleries to be established in the region. The National Museum in Oman exhibits an extraordinary collection of historical artifacts, many with an intriguing past. Its display areas chronicle the relevant context where applicable, creating an unrivalled record that could take you days or even weeks to fully explore. The museum holds over 5,000 significant objects and provides 40 immersive digital experiences.

Bait Al Zubair

The best museums to visit in Oman

Also in Muscat, Bait Al Zubair can be found at Al Saidiya Street. It was first opened in 1998. Since it used to be a private museum, developed with funding by the Zubair family, this museum is relatively small in size. Yet its collection of items is astounding, and includes a set of ancient weapons and cultural items, including traditional daggers (khanjar), household equipment, stamps, maps, swords, domestic accessories, coins, rifles and costumes. Furthermore, the museum exhibits two elegant cannons gifted by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The care that went into putting together this museum has been recognised at the highest levels; Bait Al Zubair earned the Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for Architectural Excellence in 1999.

Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art

The best museums to visit in Oman

Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art is located in Muttrah, east of Muscat centre. The gallery showcases masterpieces from local artists, and its collection is entirely unique; these works can only be found at Ghalya’s Museum. Most items are from the 50’s and 70’s, and designed in such a way as to inspire nostalgic moments for adults who visit. Ghalya is a perfect museum for foreign visitors looking to learn about the city’s history, and for locals to reminisce about the memorable period before new generations of technology began to leave tradition behind.

Discover the heart of Oman

Every country, regardless of its size and power, has a history that speaks of the nation’s character. When you are in Oman, you’ll find it well worthwhile to take the opportunity to explore its wonderful museums. A visit to any of these three museums will teach you plenty about what’s beneath the surface of this beautiful country’s culture and history, letting you see your surroundings in an entirely new way.

Stories You Might Like