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Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center: A Gateway to Bahrain's Pearling History

Explore Bahrain's pearling heritage at this Muharraq center, the gateway to a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the island's rich maritime history.

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The Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center in Muharraq is the starting point for exploring Bahrain's rich pearling history, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The center showcases the island's maritime past and cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and architectural integration of historical ruins.

A brief summary to Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and enjoy a more pleasant walking experience along the Pearling Path.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking on the 3.5km Pearling Path.
  • Check the opening hours of the historic houses along the Pearling Path in advance, as they may vary.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available at the multistorey car parks designed by Christian Kerez.
  • Look for the pearl-shaped streetlights that guide you along the Pearling Path, adding a touch of magic to your exploration.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center is located in the heart of Muharraq, near the Suq Al Qaysariyyah. From the Muharraq Bus Terminal, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the center. Head south towards the Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, then turn right onto Al Qasim Street. The center will be on your right.

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, take a bus to Muharraq Bus Terminal. Several bus routes connect Manama and Muharraq, including the A1. From the Muharraq Bus Terminal, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center. A single bus fare is approximately 0.3-0.6 BHD.

  • Driving

    If driving, several multistorey car parks are available near the Pearling Path, offering both free and paid parking. These car parks are part of the Pearling Path project and are designed by Christian Kerez. From the car park, follow the signs to the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center. Parking fees, if applicable, are typically around 0.5 BHD per hour.

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Discover more about Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center

The Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center stands as a modern tribute to Bahrain's profound pearling history. Located in the heart of Muharraq, the island's former capital, this center serves as the primary access point to the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed in 2012 under the title 'Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy'. This designation recognizes the historical importance of pearling to Bahrain's economy and culture, particularly between the 2nd and early 20th centuries. The center itself is more than just a museum; it's an architectural statement designed by the renowned Valerio Olgiati Architects. The structure thoughtfully incorporates the ruins of the 'Ammarat Yousif Ali Fakhro, a historic building dating back to the 1930s, as well as the 'Ammarat Al Doy and its later extension, seamlessly blending the past with the present. The design features a unifying roof structure supported by a forest of slender columns, creating a shaded gathering space for visitors and the local community. A series of fifteen wind towers have been reintroduced to improve the climate beneath the roof, a nod to traditional Bahraini architecture. Inside, the center offers a comprehensive overview of the Pearling Path through a permanent exhibition of models of the properties along the path. Interactive exhibits, informative displays, and engaging artifacts bring to life the stories of the pearl divers, merchants, and their families who shaped Bahrain's pearling industry. Visitors can learn about the traditional methods of pearl diving, the tools and techniques used, and the risks and rewards associated with this demanding profession. The Pearling Path itself is a 3.5-kilometer route that winds through the narrow lanes of old Muharraq, connecting a series of historic houses, commercial warehouses, and other buildings that were once central to the pearling trade. Each building represents a chapter in the story of Bahrain's pearling past. The path is marked by pearl-shaped streetlights made from special white concrete, adding a touch of magic to the historic streets.

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