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Bahrain National Museum

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Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)

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The Bahrain National Museum in Manama is the country's oldest and largest public museum, serving as a central hub for preserving Bahraini identity. Opened in 1988, the building impresses with its modern architecture featuring travertine facades and its prominent waterfront location. The exhibitions span 27,800 square meters and cover 5,000 years of history, starting with the ancient Dilmun civilization. Particularly noteworthy are the reconstructed burial mounds and valuable archaeological finds from the Dilmun and Tylos eras. In addition to archaeology, the museum is dedicated to ethnography, with exhibits on traditional crafts, pearling, and daily life before the oil boom. A dedicated section showcases Arabic calligraphy and Islamic artworks. The museum serves not only as an exhibition space but also as a research center for history and culture. The design of the galleries is didactically superior, offering a chronological journey through time. The outdoor areas invite visitors for a stroll and offer views of the Manama skyline and the neighboring National Theatre.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C181821253033353534302520
Rain mm7534000101108

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Bahrain National Museum is open to the public; it houses extensive exhibits on Bahrain's history from the Dilmun era to modern times. Guided tours are available.
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Typical hours
Typically open 8 am to 8 pm, closed on Tuesdays. Fridays have shortened hours, usually 2 pm to 8 pm. Check current times before visiting.
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Photography
Photography is allowed in most galleries without flash; some special exhibits may have restrictions. Tripods are not permitted to protect the exhibits.
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Time needed
Allow at least 2 to 3 hours for a thorough walk through the permanent and temporary exhibits. If you are interested in archaeology, you may stay even longer.
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Combine with
Combine the museum visit with the nearby Manama waterfront and Bab Al Bahrain. The Bahrain Financial Harbor is also close and provides a nice contrast.
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Getting there
The museum is on the Manama waterfront, about 5 minutes by car from the city center. It is easily accessible by taxi or bus; parking is available.
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Insider tip
Don't miss the Dilmun burial mound exhibit upstairs - it's one of the highlights. Plan a lunch break at the museum café with sea views.

Geography

Coordinates
26.24100, 50.59800

Facts

  • The museum was opened on December 15, 1988.
  • The exhibition space covers an impressive 27,800 square meters.
  • It houses 5,000 years of the region's history.
  • A complete ancient burial mound has been reconstructed within the galleries.
  • The design is by the Danish architects KHR Arkitekter.
  • The National Theatre of Bahrain is located nearby.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hoora GardenHoora Garden<1 km · SWExplore →
Bu Maher FortBu Maher Fort1 km · NExplore →
BusaiteenBusaiteen2 km · EExplore →
Adliya GardenAdliya Garden2 km · WExplore →
Bab Al BahrainBab Al Bahrain3 km · SExplore →
Arad FortArad Fort3 km · NExplore →
Segaya GardenSegaya Garden3 km · SWExplore →
Al DairAl Dair4 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Bahrain National Museum (2)

Bahrain National Museum🏛 museum

Opened in 1988, this expansive waterside museum preserves rich archaeological artifacts spanning thousands of years of regional history.

Bahrain National Theatre🎭 culture

This notable architectural landmark features a striking woven-aluminum exterior and hosts world-class performing arts events near the sea.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours?
The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
How much is the entrance fee?
The entrance fee is approximately 1.100 BHD per person.
Is photography allowed in the museum?
Yes, photography without flash is allowed in most galleries.
How much time should I plan to spend?
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours to see everything.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the National Museum of Bahrain is fully wheelchair accessible.
Bahrain National Museum: where is it located?
Bahrain National Museum is located in Bahrain.
Bahrain National Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bahrain National Museum, Bahrain National Theatre.
Bahrain National Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Dec.
Bahrain National Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Bahrain National Museum in Manama is the country's oldest and largest public museum, serving as a central hub for preserving Bahraini identity.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
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Nearby cities

Manama — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Manama
The capital of Bahrain is a modern metropolis and the country's most important commercial center.
Nabih Saleh — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Nabih Saleh
An island in Tubli Bay, named after a Muslim scholar.
Sitra — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Sitra
An island city with a strong industrial character and many palm groves.
Jidhafs — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Jidhafs
A historic town near Manama, known for its old market.
Tubli — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Tubli
A fast-growing residential area known for Tubli Bay and its mangroves.
Sanabis — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Sanabis
Traditionally a fishing village, now integrated into Manama's urban structure.
Karbabad — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Karbabad
A coastal village known for the ancient craftsmanship of basket making.

History & landmarks

Bahrain World Trade Center — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Bahrain World Trade Center
A 240-meter-high twin tower complex in Manama, notable for integrating wind turbines into its design.
Al Fateh Grand Mosque — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world, capable of accommodating over 7,000 worshippers at a time.
Al Khamis Mosque — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Al Khamis Mosque
Believed to be the first mosque in Bahrain, featuring two distinct twin minarets that stand out against the sky.

More places

Water Garden City Park — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Water Garden City Park
A modern coastal park in Seef offering stunning sea views and leisure facilities.
Hoora Garden — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Hoora Garden
An urban park in the busy Hoora district, providing residents with a green recreational area.
Beit Al Quran — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Beit Al Quran
A museum complex that houses one of the most important collections of historical Qurans.
Bahrain Bay — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Bahrain Bay
An ultra-modern business district hosting global companies and exclusive waterfront real estate projects.
🗺️
Ibrahim Al Arrayed House
The former home of one of Bahrain's most famous poets and a center of literature.
Adliya Garden — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Adliya Garden
A small but fine park in the artistic district of Adliya, often surrounded by art installations.
Salmaniya Garden — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Salmaniya Garden
A green retreat in the heart of Manama, frequented by locals for morning walks.
Mina Salman — Bahrain National Museum (Bahrain)
Mina Salman
The old main port of Manama, now primarily used as a naval base and for specialized cargo services.