Museums and galleries in Muscat

Museums and galleries in Muscat

1. See

   Al Jalali Fort

   Built as a prison in the rocky mountains in the 1580s during the Portuguese occupation, now converted into a museum devoted to Omani heritage. Unfortunately the fort is only opened to visiting dignitaries and heads of state and not open to the general public, but it's still possible to climb the steep stairs up to the top and to enjoy the view.

2. See

   Al Mirani Fort

   Built at the same time as Al Jalali Fort which it faces across the harbour. This fort has also been converted to a museum which is closed to the general public, but it can be freely appreciated from the outside.

3. See

   Bait Al Zubair Museum

   The museum features displays on Omani social history, while tours are frequently run of the neighbouring reconstructed townhouse.

   Sat-Thu 9:30AM-6PM

4. See

   Bait Muzna Gallery

   A gallery representing primarily Omani artists, and a few Oman-based western artists.

5. See

   Bait al-Baranda Museum

   This renovated house from the 1930s has exhibits illustrating the history of Muscat. The lower level is devoted to pre-history and palaeontology, while the upper level is devoted to human history and ethnography.

   RO 1 (adults), RO 0.500 (children)

6. See

   Ghalya’s Museum of Modern Art

   This museum is made up of a cluster of houses with furnishings and displays appropriate to an Omani house between 1950 and 1970, i.e. before the accession of Sultan Qaboos. There is also a small modern art gallery.

   Sat-Thu 9:30AM-6PM·RO 2 (adults 12+), 500 Bzs (children 6-12)

7. See

   Muscat Gate Museum

   This museum marks the location of the old city wall, and has the original city gates which were used until the 1970s. The location offers good views of Old Muscat and the palace.

   Sat-Thu 8AM-2PM

8. See

   Museum of Omani Heritage

   This small museum has a good collection of archaeological exhibits, and is worth visiting for the excellent views.

   Sat-Wed 9:30AM-1:30PM, Thu 9AM-1PM·500 Bzs

9. See

   National Museum

   This large museum tries to illustrate the history and customs of Oman from the Stone Age to the present day. Obviously huge effort is being put in the presentation, there are many 3D printed detailed models of Omani architecture and beautifully presented artifacts. There's also a curious exhibition of (largely kitsch) presents from foreign dignitaries on the top floor.

   Sat-Thu 10AM-5PM, Fri 2PM-6PM·RO 5 (adults), free (children)

10. See

    Oil and Gas Exhibition Centre

    This private museum has six permanent displays explaining the formation of, and modern extraction of oil and natural gas.

    Sat-Thu 8AM-3PM; closed on public holidays·Free

11. See

    Omani French Museum

    This small museum has displays detailing the relations between France and Oman, with many colonial objects from the 19th century.

    Sat-Wed 8AM-1PM, Thu 9AM-1PM·RO 0.500

12. Buy

    Omani Heritage Gallery

    This gallery is operated by a non-profit group which encourages cottage industries.

13. See

    Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

    This curious museum is housed in a building built in 1845 as a royal summer home. The lower level has displays on Oman's history, and the upper level praises Oman's international relations and military history and weaponry; including a cluster bomb that is banned by international treaties (that Oman is not a signatory of.) An outdoor section presents some decomissioned heavy military machinery. All visitors are given a mandatory military escort.

    RO 2

14. See

    Children's Museum

    2601 Way

    Sat-Wed 9AM-1:30PM, Thu 9AM-1PM

15. See

    Natural History Museum

    Sat 9AM-1:30PM; Sun 8AM-1:30PM, 4-6PM; Mon-Wed 9AM-1:30PM; Thu 9AM-1PM

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Muscat (CC BY-SA 4.0).