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Bahrain National Museum: A Journey Through Time

Discover 6,000 years of Bahraini history and culture at the Bahrain National Museum, showcasing ancient artifacts and traditional 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 history and culture. Opened in 1988, the museum features artifacts from the Dilmun civilization, traditional crafts, and a natural history hall, providing an immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

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.
  • Enjoy a relaxing break at the museum's café with views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Take advantage of the free parking available at the museum.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From the Manama bus station, take bus routes 12, 17, 19 or A1. Alight at the King Faisal Highway bus stop, a short 5-minute walk (160 meters) from the museum. A single bus fare costs 300 fils (BD 0.300) when paying with cash, or 275 fils (BD 0.275) if using a GO Card. A GO Card initially costs 500 fils (BD 0.500).

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are readily available throughout Manama. Request a ride to the Bahrain National Museum. From central Manama, a taxi ride 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 along Shaikh Hamad Causeway in Manama. From the Bahrain National Theater, walk west along the causeway for approximately 500 meters to reach the museum entrance. Follow the pedestrian walkway along the water.

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Discover more about Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum, situated in Manama, stands as a cultural beacon, offering a deep dive into the kingdom's rich history spanning 6,000 years. Officially opened in 1988, the museum complex, designed by Danish architects Krohn & Hartvig Rasmussen, is an architectural marvel with its white travertine marble facade overlooking the island of Muharraq. The museum comprises two interconnected buildings covering 20,000 square meters, housing six permanent exhibition halls, an educational hall, a gift shop, and a café. The main halls include the Hall of Dilmun, focusing on artifacts from the Dilmun civilization (5000 BC to 400 BC), the Hall of Graves, showcasing burial practices, and the Hall of Tylos and Islam, displaying pottery and jewelry. Visitors can also explore halls dedicated to Bahrain's customs and traditions, traditional trades and crafts, and documents and manuscripts. Key highlights include Dilmunite stamp seals, pottery from Barbar Temple, and a tableau from the Epic of Gilgamesh. The museum also features a reconstructed burial mound and models of a traditional marketplace, offering insights into Bahrain's pre-oil era. The Natural History Hall displays Bahrain's flora and fauna. The museum is a hub for cultural events and activities, with a café offering scenic views of the artificial lake.

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