For those looking to delve into Oman’s history, several museums offer an opportunity to learn about its rich heritage and culture.
I’ve chosen six of my favorites. Three are in Muscat, two are in Nizwa, and one is in Salalah. Below, you can find Oman’s best museums to explore.
People and Place Museum
Nestled near Muttrah Fort in Muscat, this small house has a few rooms, including a sitting room, kitchen, and a bedroom. Visitors will find a display of traditional clothing and jewelry. One of my favorite pieces is the gold bracelet with spiked bosses around it.
For those who don’t have time to visit a larger museum, this is a good spot for an introduction to Oman’s past.
Hours and cost: Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 am to noon; 4:30 to 6:00 pm. The price is 2 OMR.
Bait Al Zubair
I’ve been here three times and always notice something new when I’m here. There are four houses within this complex in Muscat, each featuring different parts of Oman’s history.
In addition to traditional clothing from various regions, there are also rooms featuring traditional musical instruments, a currency room, and a space for household items, including old copper cooking pots, once used for making Arsiya.
Visitors can also take a break and go inside the learning center to color one of the pictures that are on the tables.
My favorite spot here is outside in the garden. It has a filaj and replicas of houses and forts. It is very peaceful, so it should be added to your list of best museums to explore in Oman.
Hours and cost: Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The cost is 1.1 OMR for citizens and 3.2 OMR for non-citizens.
The National Museum
Most people visit this museum, located near Al Alam Palace. Explore the variety of exhibitions, including the ancient city of Qalhat with its pottery, traditional clothing, beehive tombs, and maritime history.
They also show a fifteen-minute movie in Arabic and English highlighting Oman’s timeline, which is very well done.
Hours and cost: Saturday – Thursday ,10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday 2:00 – 6:00 pm. The price is 1 OMR for citizens, 2 OMR for residents, and 5 OMR for tourists.
Oman Across Ages Museum
This impressive interactive museum is in Manah, about twenty minutes from Nizwa. This should be on your list of the best museums to explore in Oman.
Upon pulling up, one will immediately notice the angular planes on the outside of the building entrance. Throughout the museum, large windows bring in natural light, making for some excellent pictures.
Hold your hands above various rocks, and a display will pop up with information. Test your skills to see if you can keep enemies out at the interactive fort display.
Visitors will notice rotating pictures on interactive columns in the Renaissance Hall.
One could spend half a day here. There are two cafes if you need to take a break.
Hours and cost: Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday, 1:30 – 7 pm. The cost is 1 OMR for citizens, 2 OMR for residents, and 5 OMR for tourists.
Nizwa Museum
This museum is located near the souq, and a local man, Mohammed Ambusaidi, converted this traditional mud house into a museum. Expect to find copper and silver coffee pots, traditional clothing, weaponry, and my favorite, several wooden doors on display near the entrance.
I stumbled upon this museum while wandering around the souq one evening.
Hours and cost: Saturday – Thursday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; 4:00 – 8:00 pm. Friday 8:00 am to 11:00 am; 4:00 – 10:00 pm. The price is 1 OMR for citizens and 2 OMR for non-citizens.
The Museum of Frankincense Land
If you find yourself in Salalah, be sure to visit the museum, which is part of the Al Baleed Archaeological Park.
Visitors can learn about the history of Frankincense and the importance of trading. It was at this museum that I learned Oman has five UNESCO-recognized falaj systems. One of the reasons I’ve added it to my list of best museums to visit in Oman.
The gift shop sells Frankincense and burners. After visiting, make sure to walk around Al Baleed and admire its architecture.
Hours and cost: Sunday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm. Friday & Saturday, 3:00 – 7:00 pm. I was here several years ago, and the price was 3 OMR.
Best museums to explore
Whether you’re looking to learn more about Oman’s history or escape the summer heat, head to one of these museums to gain a deeper understanding of Oman’s culture, traditions, and heritage.