Background

Bin Matar House, Central Region Travel Guide

4.4 (68)

Discover Bahrain's pearling heritage at this beautifully restored house, once home to a prominent pearl merchant, now a museum and cultural center.

Explore Bahrain's pearling history at Bin Matar House in Muharraq, a beautifully restored traditional home showcasing the legacy of a prominent pearl merchant family and Bahraini architecture. Once the residence of Salman bin Hussein Bin Matar, it now stands as a cultural landmark and museum.

A brief summary to Bin Matar House

  • Monday 8 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-2 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bin Matar House.

  • Visit during the cooler months (November to March) to comfortably explore the outdoor spaces.
  • Check the Sheikh Ebrahim Center's website for upcoming cultural events, art exhibitions, and workshops held at Bin Matar House.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to further explore Muharraq's pearling history.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Explore Bin Matar House on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Bin Matar House, mapped for you.

Unlock the Best of Bin Matar House

Buy tickets

  • No tickets available

Book tours with entry

  • No tours available

Book tours without entry

  • No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    Bin Matar House is centrally located in Muharraq, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions. If you are near the Muharraq Souq, head north on Road No 1129. The house is located on this road and is easily identifiable. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from the heart of the souq. Look for signs pointing towards the Pearling Path; Bin Matar House is a key site along this path.

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, take a bus to the Muharraq Bus Terminal. Several bus routes connect Manama and Muharraq, including the A1. From the terminal, you can either walk north along Sh Salman Avenue, then turn left onto Road 1129, or take a short taxi ride to Bin Matar House. Bus fare is approximately 0.40 BHD. The bus from Manama to Muharraq takes about 25 minutes.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    From anywhere in Muharraq or nearby Manama, a taxi or ride-share service can take you directly to Bin Matar House. Provide the driver with the address: Road No 1129, Muharraq. Taxi/ride-share services like Uber or Careem are available. A 5km ride in Muharraq costs about 7-9 BHD. Fares may vary depending on the time of day and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate towards Road No 1129 in Muharraq. Note that parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited, especially during peak hours. However, a multi-story car park is located near Bin Matar House and the Green Corner, offering paid parking for visitors. Street parking may also be available, but be sure to park in designated areas and observe any parking restrictions.

Discover more about Bin Matar House

Bin Matar House, located in the heart of Muharraq, offers a captivating glimpse into Bahrain's rich pearling past. Built in 1905 by Salman bin Hussein Bin Matar, a leading pearl merchant, the house served as his family residence and a majlis, a gathering place for traders and community leaders. The house is part of the Pearling Path, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which highlights the historic buildings that shaped Bahrain's pearl trade.The building itself is a stunning example of traditional Bahraini architecture, featuring intricate wooden designs, high ceilings, and craftsmanship using materials like palm tree trunks, sea-stone, and gypsum. The house has also served as a clinic and the home of the Al Eslah Club. Restored by Bahraini architect Noura Al Sayeh, Bin Matar House has become an art center.Today, Bin Matar House operates as a museum and cultural center. The permanent pearl exhibition explains the history of pearls and pearl fishing in Bahrain, with a special focus on the Bin Matar family's contributions. The museum also showcases the traditional lifestyle and architectural styles of the region, with exhibits featuring traditional clothing, household items, and historical photographs. In addition to its historical exhibits, Bin Matar House also serves as a vibrant art space, hosting local, regional, and international exhibitions.
Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



Explore More of Central Region

Looking beyond Bin Matar House? Discover Central Region for broader travel guides, local hot-spots, and regional highlights.

Explore Central Region

Select Currency