National Museum, Muscat

National Museum, Muscat

Situated in the heart of Muscat, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is a flagship cultural institution that showcases the nation’s heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula to the present day. Established by a royal decree in 2013, the museum was developed over ten years of collaboration between the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, the Royal Estate Affairs of Oman, Jasper Jacob Associates, and Arts Architecture International Ltd. It opened its doors to the public on July 30, 2016.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of 5,466 objects, including a significant collection of prehistoric metallic artifacts. Its curator, Mouza Sulaiman Mohamed Al-Wardi, is part of an international team exploring the legacy of Oman's silver working tradition, which historically included women as silversmiths.

Designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the museum offers 43 digital immersive experiences, a learning center, conservation facilities, an ultra-high definition cinema, and discovery areas for children. One of its unique features is an open-plan museum storage concept, where visitors can learn about the various processes that artifacts go through before they are put on display. The museum is also the first in the Middle East to adopt Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired, and it provides integrated infrastructure for special needs.

The purpose-built museum building spans 13,700 square meters (147,000 square feet), including 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet) dedicated to 14 permanent galleries, and an additional 400 square meters (4,300 square feet) for temporary exhibitions. With its impressive collection, modern facilities, and commitment to accessibility, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Oman's rich cultural heritage.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Muscat. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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National Museum on Map

Sight Name: National Museum
Sight Location: Muscat, Oman (See walking tours in Muscat)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Muscat, Oman

Create Your Own Walk in Muscat

Create Your Own Walk in Muscat

Creating your own self-guided walk in Muscat is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Muscat Walking Tour

Old Muscat Walking Tour

Muscat – nicknamed “The Pearl of Arabia” – is the capital and largest city of Oman. The origin of the name “Muscat” is uncertain; some reckon it is derived from the Arabic word for "anchorage" or "the place of letting fall the anchor", referring to the city's location as a safe harbor for ships.

Sitting at the foot of the Al Hajar Mountains, on the...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Muttrah Seaside Walking Tour

Muttrah Seaside Walking Tour

Muttrah is a port district of Oman's capital and one of the most historic areas in Muscat, formerly a major commercial hub, boasting one of the largest harbors and sea ports in the region. The area is sometimes lovingly referred to as "the bride of Muscat", most likely for its traditional architecture or the stunning views of the Gulf of Oman, altogether contributing to the capital...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles