Bahrain National Museum: A Gateway to Bahrain's Rich History
Discover 6,000 years of Bahrain's history and culture at the Bahrain National Museum, featuring artifacts from the Dilmun civilization and traditional Bahraini crafts.
The Bahrain National Museum, inaugurated in 1988, stands as a cultural beacon in Manama, inviting visitors to explore Bahrain's captivating history. Designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen, the museum's striking white travertine marble facade is a landmark on an artificial peninsula overlooking Muharraq Island. The museum complex is divided into several halls, each dedicated to a different aspect of Bahrain's rich heritage. The Hall of Dilmun showcases artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization (5000 BC to 400 BC), highlighting its extensive trade network with Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. Visitors can marvel at Dilmunite stamp seals, pottery, and the Durand Stone, a basalt sculpture from the Babylonian era. The Hall of Graves focuses on the burial practices of the Dilmun civilization, featuring a reconstructed burial mound transported from A'ali. The Hall of Tylos and Islam displays pottery, glassware, and jewelry from Bahrain's Tylos period, reflecting the island's cultural diversity and its role as a naval base for the Greek military fleet in the Gulf. Discoveries from the Khamis Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Bahrain and the Gulf, are also featured. Other halls explore Bahraini customs and traditions, traditional trades and crafts, and historical documents and manuscripts. The Natural History Hall displays Bahrain's flora and fauna. In addition to its permanent exhibitions, the museum hosts temporary art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can also enjoy a café with lake views and a gift shop. The Bahrain National Museum is adjacent to the Bahrain National Theatre, creating a picturesque setting by the water.
Local tips
- Visit during the morning to avoid crowds and have a more relaxed experience.
- Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum's extensive collections.
- Enjoy a boat tour near the museum for a unique perspective of the area.
- Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Bahrain National Theatre or the Pearling Path in Muharraq.
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
Getting There
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Walking
From the Bahrain National Theatre, walk west along the Al Fatih Highway. The Bahrain National Museum will be on your left, approximately a 5-minute walk. There are no costs associated with walking.
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Public Transport
From Manama city center, take bus routes 19 or A1. Disembark at the King Faisal Highway bus stop, which is near the museum. The museum is a short 2-minute walk from the bus stop. A single bus fare costs approximately 0.300 BHD. A GO Card can be purchased for 0.500 BHD, reducing the single trip fare to 0.275 BHD and offering a daily cap of 0.700 BHD.
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Taxi
From anywhere in Manama, taxis are readily available. Ask the driver to take you to the Bahrain National Museum on Shaikh Hamad Causeway. A 5km taxi ride in Manama typically costs around 7 BHD. The starting price of a taxi in Manama is 2.0 BHD, with each KM priced at 1.0 BHD.
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Driving
If driving, approach the Bahrain National Museum via the Shaikh Hamad Causeway. Ample free parking is available on-site. Be aware of potential traffic congestion during peak hours. From the parking area, follow the signs to the museum entrance.
