Bahrain National Museum
Al ‘Āşimah
Bahrain National Museum, located in Manama, is the oldest and largest public museum in Bahrain and a key cultural landmark. Opened in 1988 by Emir Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the museum was designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen and sits on an artificial peninsula overlooking Muharraq Island. The museum complex spans 27,800 square meters and features six permanent exhibition halls, an educational hall, a gift shop, and a cafeteria. Its extensive collections cover approximately 5,000 years of Bahrain's history, including the ancient Dilmun civilization, Hellenistic influences, Islamic heritage, and traditional Bahraini customs and crafts. Notable exhibits include the Hall of Dilmun with artifacts such as stamp seals and the Durand Stone, the Hall of Dilmun Graves featuring an actual burial mound relocated from A'ali, and the Hall of Tylos and Islam displaying pottery, jewelry, and relics from Bahrain's Islamic period. The museum also offers a Natural History Hall showcasing Bahrain's flora and fauna. As the region's first modern museum, it attracts numerous visitors and serves as an educational and cultural hub, preserving Bahrain's rich archaeological heritage and traditions.
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Tip: Visit Bahrain National Museum during weekdays in the morning for a less crowded experience and comfortable climate. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended to avoid queues, especially during weekends and holidays. The museum offers educational programs and guided tours which enhance the visit. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups. Allocate ample time to explore all six exhibition halls thoroughly.
Interesting facts
- •Bahrain National Museum is the oldest and largest public museum in Bahrain, opened in 1988.
- •The museum was designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen and built on an artificial peninsula.
- •It houses artifacts spanning 5,000 years of Bahrain's history, including the ancient Dilmun civilization.
- •The Hall of Dilmun Graves contains an actual burial mound transported from A'ali and reassembled inside the museum.
- •The Durand Stone, a basalt sculpture from the Babylonian era, is a notable exhibit.
- •The museum celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013 with renovations and an international conference on museum development.
- •The Dilmun Burial Mounds of Bahrain were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.
History
The Bahrain National Museum's origins trace back to 1957 with an archaeological exhibition at Hidaya Boys School, sparking local interest in Bahrain's heritage.
A cultural agreement with UNESCO in 1967 facilitated the museum's development, leading to the opening of an initial national museum at Government House in 1970.
The current modern museum, designed by Danish architects, was inaugurated in December 1988 on an artificial peninsula.
Since then, it has expanded its exhibitions, including a renovated Hall of Dilmun Graves reopened in 2018.
The Dilmun Burial Mounds associated with the museum were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019, underscoring the museum's importance in preserving Bahrain's ancient history.
Place Guide
Hall of Dilmun5000 BC - 400 BC
This hall showcases artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization (5000 BC to 400 BC), including stamp seals, pottery, and items from Barbar and Saar temples. It features the Durand Stone and a tableau depicting a scene from the Epic of Gilgamesh referencing Bahrain as the paradise of Dilmun.
Hall of Dilmun GravesAncient Dilmun period
Dedicated to burial practices of the Dilmun civilization, this hall contains an actual burial mound relocated from A'ali. Renovated in 2018 by French architect Didier Blin, it includes multimedia exhibits and recent archaeological findings.
Hall of Tylos and Islam2nd century BC onward
This hall covers Bahrain's Hellenistic period from the 2nd century BC and its Islamic history from the 7th to the 18th century. Exhibits include glazed pottery, alabaster containers, jewelry, artifacts from the Khamis Mosque, Kufic inscriptions, and timber beams.
Hall of Documents and Manuscripts13th - 14th centuries
This hall exhibits rare Qur'an copies from the 13th and 14th centuries, astronomical notes, and historical documents and letters from Bahrain's ruling Al Khalifa family.
Hall of Customs and TraditionsPre-1932
Showcases Bahrain's customs and traditions before oil discovery in 1932, including childhood, marriage, fashion, local religious and medical practices, and traditional house structures.
Hall of Traditional Trades and CraftsPre-oil era
Features a recreation of a traditional Bahraini souq with craftsmen and a section on pearl diving, a vital part of Bahrain's pre-oil economy.
