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Bahrain National Museum: A Journey Through Time

Discover 6,000 years of Bahrain's history, culture, and traditions at the Bahrain National Museum, from ancient civilizations to modern heritage.

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The Bahrain National Museum in Manama is the country's largest and oldest public museum, showcasing 6,000 years of Bahrain's rich history and cultural heritage. Opened in 1988, the museum complex houses artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization to the pre-industrial era, and the natural history of Bahrain.

A brief summary to Bahrain National Museum

  • 6HRX+86G, Shaikh Hamad Causeway, Manama, Alcorniche, BH
  • Visit website
  • Monday 9 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-8 pm
  • Friday 9 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the morning to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore all the exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Enjoy a boat tour near the museum for a unique experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Bahrain National Theatre or the Pearling Path in Muharraq.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Bab Al Bahrain in Manama, the Bahrain National Museum is approximately a 30-minute walk. Head southeast along Government Avenue, then turn right onto Shaikh Hamad Causeway. The museum will be on your right, next to the National Theatre of Bahrain.

  • Public Transport

    From the Manama Bus Station, take bus routes 12, 17, 18, 19 or A1. Alight at the King Faisal Highway bus stop, then walk 160 meters towards the Bahrain National Museum. A single bus fare costs 0.300 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Manama. A taxi ride from Bab Al Bahrain to the Bahrain National Museum takes approximately 5 minutes and costs around 3 BHD. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Careem are also available.

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Discover more about Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum, officially inaugurated in December 1988, stands as a cultural beacon, offering an immersive journey through 6,000 years of Bahrain's history. Designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen, its modern architecture harmonizes with the serene Arabian Sea. The museum complex is divided into several halls, each dedicated to a different aspect of Bahrain's past. The Hall of Dilmun showcases artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization (5000-400 BC), highlighting its trade links with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Discover Dilmunite stamp seals, pottery, and the Durand Stone, a basalt sculpture from the Babylonian era. The Hall of Graves focuses on Dilmun burial practices, featuring a burial mound transported from A'ali. Explore Bahrain's history through the Tylos and Islamic periods, with exhibits of pottery, glassware and jewelry. The Hall of Customs and Traditions and the Hall of Traditional Trades and Crafts depict Bahrain's pre-oil era lifestyle, with models recreating a traditional marketplace. The Natural History Hall displays Bahrain's flora and fauna. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, an art gallery, a gift shop, and a café with lake views. It is located adjacent to the Bahrain National Theatre on an artificial peninsula overlooking Muharraq Island.

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