Every country has a story waiting to be discovered by tourists from around the world. When talking about history, Oman has something waiting to be unfolded. It has a story to tell through its heritage with the world through some of the ancient artifacts showcased at the museums. The evolution of Oman is showcased through its achievements and interactions with other countries. Over the weekend, take walk down memory lane and explore the rich culture and history of the country. The museums in Oman will leave people stunned and awe struck, which in turn will ensure coming back for several visits.
Top 10 Museums in Oman: Stories Of The Ancient Past
Museums are one of the most interesting places to visit in a rich country with a kaleidoscope of history. Oman is the one stop destination for all the museum lovers. So, go ahead and discover the untold story of the past through the museums of Oman.
1. The Land of Frankincense Museum
The cultural landmark, Frankincense Land Museum is a fine example of the must visit world heritage sights. Sitting on the coastal strip of Salalah, the museum of the land of Frankincense offers a stunning view of the Sultanate, the governorates, the time frame and chance to learn about the history and maritime heritage. Tourists are offered information on the march and a glimpse of the archaeological evidence through ages till date through the history hall, with 6 sections: Oman's geography, Oman in Ancient times, the land of Frankincense, Islamization of the people of Oman, Chapters of Omani History and Renaissance of Oman.
The country's relationship with the sea, contribution to the rise of trade relations is highlighted at the Marine time hall. Maritime Heritage, Sea, Shipbuilding, Seafaring, Trade, Virtual Sea and Renaissance are the 7 sections at the Maritime Hall.
Address: Salalah, Oman
Timings:
Sunday- Thursday: 9am- 7pm
Friday- Saturday: 3 -7 pm
2. The National Museum Of Oman
Since the rise of human influence in Oman, the national museum of Oman has mission to achieve educational, cultural and humanitarian motives by inculcating Omani values through its history, creative and intellectual abilities and sustaining evidence. The museum was given birth to by Royal Decree. The purpose of the museum is to ensure the cultural heritage is read about internationally and offers the chance for cultural expression, creativity and knowledge.
Sitting in the heart of Muscat, the museum has 14 galleries- the land and the people, Maritime History, Arms and Armour, Aflaj, Currency, Prehistory and Ancient history, splendor of Islam, Oman and the world, Intangible heritage and Renaissance, to name a few. Home to over 5000 objects, the museum offers a delightful experience with a high- definition cinema and discovery area for kids.
Address: Al Saidiya St, Muscat, Oman
Timings: 10 am- 5 pm
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3. The Maritime Museum in Sur
Filled with examples of Omani marine heritage, the city of Sur represents the role Omanis played in the maritime industry for a long time. Born in Sur in the Al- Aruba club, the maritime museum has sustained the various aspects of Oman’s maritime heritage. Founded in 1987, the Oman museum is home to several images and models of Omani ships, along with their captains and shipbuilders, the tools and machines, including instruments, maps and manuscripts.
Equipment of the shipbuilding industry and all kinds of wood, nails and night-time guidance lights are seen tucked away in the corner. Images of Sur city in 1905 are seen at the museum.
Address: Sur, Oman
Timings: 8 am – 8 pm
4. Turtle Museum, Ras Al Jinz
The Turtle Museum was given birth to promote the conservation of turtles, indigenous to Oman, as a part of the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve. A glimpse of the reptile’s behavior is offered along with a scientific program aimed at their research, care and conservation. The state-of-the-art laboratories at the museum conduct experiments for the best turtle care. It is one of the best places to visit in Oman early morning, which is when the turtles lay their eggs. It is one of the most fascinating sights to see in the world.
Do you want to know something interesting? Every year, at least 13,000 sea turtles lay their eggs and every night, green turtles come ashore. The place is also home to a 3000 BC fishing village, where they say man and animal shared the beach for almost 5000 years.
Address: Ras al Jinz، Sur, Oman
Timings: 24 hours
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5. Bait Al Zubair Museum
The heritage and cultural museum, Bait Al Zubair, in 1998, opened its carved wooden doors to the public. The privately owned collection of Omani artifacts is displayed at the Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muscat. At present, the biggest art collection on display serves as a window on the rich heritage and culture of Oman. It has evolved and transformed itself ever since its birth and has been recognized by museum and art galleries internationally.
The day the museum opened; His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said had presented two stunning old canons. The architectural icons of the country won the Majesty Sultan Qaboos Award for architectural excellence in 1999, making it one of the most stunning places to visit in the Middle East.
Address: Muscat, Oman
Timings: 9:30 am- 6 pm
6. Museum of Illusions Muscat
Tourists are transported into a world of illusions from the world of social media and entertainment. Illusions is different in the Arab world, which makes it an ideal place for people of all ages to explore. An illusion hides a million words, like an image is worth a thousand words. Trick your confidences in senses by taking a journey into the world of illusion and be amazed. The museum of illusions Muscat will confuse and yet educate you at the same time. Leap into illusion by the Vortex tunnel which will ensure you go crazy. You will have a tough time getting through the rotating cylinder.
Discover the optical phenomenon and holograms closely at every installation. These are things that are just an illusion, nothing more. Brain teasers, puzzles, impossible knots, tricks and mathematical games are some of the things people can play with as it exercises the mind.
Address: Muscat Grand Mall، Muscat, Oman
Timings: Get in touch with the authorities
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7. Omani- French Museum
Nestled at the earlier home Bait Faransa, the French consul, is a legacy gallery. In 1896, the white structure that was once a castle, was a present given by the Sultan Assayed to the French Consul in Muscat. A gallery was set up in the castle to protect the Omani- French relations in 1992 by Sultan Qaboos and the late French president Francois Mitterrand. Images of the French representatives, records, Omani- French boats; and adornments and furniture are an assortment of things that are displayed at the museum.
One of the most interesting things to do in Oman is to read about the tale of the two countries that wasn’t told in a superior spot. The exceptional connection between the Sultanate of Oman and France, something that goes back to before the primary French republic is showcased at the museum.
Address: Muscat, Oman
Timings: 8:30 am – 1 pm
8. Old Castle Museum
Boasting 10,000 old pieces of the time, Old Castle Museum has old 1400 bits of clay and old 700 bits of copper, metals, old instruments, gadgets and old apparatuses. The Muscat Museum has all kinds of palm leaves, wooden boxes and various stoneware. Ancient cowhides, glass, flatware, weapons, blades, knifes, coins and paper notes with global card telephones, stamps and old books and magazines are some of the other fascinating things to see at the old castle museum.
With an exhibition hall, the museum is home to Sheik Khalfn Al Hashmi’s assortments. If you’re a history buff, you can spend an entire evening discovering the metal snares systems, Bakelite phones, mincers and tape players.
Address: Al Kamil Wal Wafi, Oman
Timings: 9 am – 5:30 pm
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9. Sultan Armed Forces Museum Muscat
Nestled on the grounds and Bait Al Falaj Fort in Muscat, the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum opened its doors to the public in 1988. Home to all kinds of historic and military weapons like old cannons and machine guns, military planes and vehicles, is something tourists should see. The floors in the rooms offer a painted picture of the battle fought during the country’s military history and international relations.
An array of Military vehicles including helicopters, planes and boats and terrain vehicles are found sitting on the ground. Tourists will be shown around a military hospital and water time field headquarters. It is one of the most fascinating museums in Oman to visit at least once while on vacation.
Address: Al Mujamma St, Oman
Timings: 8 am – 1 pm
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10. Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art
Born in 2011, Ghalya’s museum of modern art is a part of Oman’s cultural scene, under his highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tariq bin Taimour Al Said. From 1950 to 1975, the museum unfolds the story of Oman and their deeply rooted heritage, customs and traditions. The earlier Omani lifestyle is seen described in the wedding, the kitchen, the display rooms, the mother and child room, the winter, the Majlis and Mussabbeh’s room.
A blend of immediacy in Omani’s life in historic contents of their homes, art, artifacts and inventions are seen displayed at the Oman museum. The young and tourists looking to discover the flavors of Oman’s rich heritage should visit the museum.
Address: Muttrah, Oman
Timings: 9:30 am- 6 pm
Have you been to any of the museums in the Middle East yet? These are one of the most fascinating places to explore apart from all the other historical sites. Museums in Oman have a story about the culture and heritage waiting to unfold. Every artifact or monument is fascinating to discover as they’ve been around for almost 1000 years. All the history buffs or in fact museum lovers should visit the museums and have the ideal time of their lives. So? What you waiting for?
Museums in Oman - FAQs
Oman has approximately about 15 museums, each one even more fascinating than the other. Each museum showcases the heritage and culture of the country.
Oman is one of the one stop holiday destinations that attracts tourists from around the world every year. There are certain things that Oman doesn’t allow like:
- Ball Bearings.
- Bio Products, Haz.
- Checks, Cashier.
- Clocks/watches.
- Coffee.
- Communications equipment.
- Compact discs.
- Computer components & parts.
The turtle museum is located at Ras al Jinz، Sur, Oman. To protect the turtles, the museum was brought about. Tourists get to study the reptile's behavior.
The timings of the national museum of Oman are 10 am- 5 pm. The museum believes in offering the chance for cultural expression, creativity and knowledge.
Ghalya’s museum of modern art is located at Muttrah, Oman. The story of Oman is narrated from the 1950’s to 1975.
The Armed forces museum muscat is located at Al Mujamma St, Oman. Old cannons and machine guns, military planes and vehicles are some of the most interesting monuments people should see.
9 am – 5:30 pm are the timings of Old Castle Museum. The museum is home to some of the oldest cowhides, glass, flatware, weapons, blades, knifes, coins and paper notes.
People can visit Oman visit between October and April as the weather is pleasant. Oman has a lot to offer its tourists in terms of historical sites and much more.
