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Bahrain National Museum, Central Region Travel Guide

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Explore 6,000 years of Bahrain's history, from ancient civilizations to vibrant cultural traditions, at the Bahrain National Museum.

The Bahrain National Museum in Manama is the country's largest and oldest public museum, showcasing 6,000 years of Bahrain's history and culture. Exhibits range from ancient Dilmun artifacts to traditional crafts and customs, providing an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

A brief summary to Bahrain National Museum

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bahrain National Museum.

  • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and have ample time to explore the extensive exhibits.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and special events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available at the museum.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Bahrain National Museum is accessible via public bus. From the Manama bus station, take bus routes 12, 17, 19 or A1 and get off at the King Faisal Highway bus stop. The museum is a short 5-minute walk (160 meters) from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs 300 fils (BD 0.300) if paying with cash or 275 fils (BD 0.275) if using a GO Card. A GO Card costs 500 fils (BD 0.500) to purchase initially.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available throughout Manama. A taxi ride from central Manama to the Bahrain National Museum should cost approximately 2 BHD to 3 BHD, depending on traffic. Taxi fares start at 2 BHD, with an additional charge of 1 BHD per kilometer.

  • Walking

    The Bahrain National Museum is located approximately 3 kilometers from the center of Manama, a walk that should take around 35 minutes. From the Bab Al Bahrain, head east along Government Avenue, then turn right onto Shaikh Hamad Causeway. The museum will be on your right, adjacent to the National Theatre of Bahrain.

Discover more about Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum, established in 1988, stands as a cultural beacon, offering a deep dive into the Kingdom's rich history. Designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen, the museum is located on an artificial peninsula overlooking Muharraq Island. The museum complex is composed of two connected buildings with approximately 20,000 square metres of floor space.The museum's exhibits span 6,000 years, beginning with the ancient Dilmun civilization. Visitors can explore artifacts, burial mounds, and historical reconstructions that highlight Bahrain's role in regional history. The museum comprises six main halls: Burial Mounds, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts.Highlights include the Hall of Dilmun, showcasing artifacts from 5000 BC to 400 BC, including Dilmunite stamp seals and pottery. The Hall of Tylos and Islam features pottery, glassware, and jewelry from Bahrain's Tylos period. The Hall of Customs and Traditions presents models of a traditional marketplace, offering a glimpse into Bahraini life before the discovery of oil. The Natural History Hall displays Bahrain's flora and fauna.The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year, making it a dynamic cultural center. Visitors can enjoy the museum's café with views of the artificial lake, and a gift shop.
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