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Bahrain Fort Museum: A Portal to the Dilmun Era

Discover 4,000 years of history at Bahrain Fort Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing Bahrain's rich cultural heritage.

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The Bahrain Fort Museum, part of the Qal'at al-Bahrain UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an immersive journey through Bahrain's captivating past. Showcasing artifacts from the Dilmun civilization to the Portuguese period, the museum provides a glimpse into the island's strategic importance throughout history.

A brief summary to Bahrain Fort Museum

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.
  • Bring a camera to capture the stunning views from the top of the fort.
  • Consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the fort and its artifacts.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Manama, the most economical way to reach the Bahrain Fort Museum is by bus. Head to the Manama bus station and board bus number 23 towards Al Qalah. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Get off at the Karbabad bus stop, which is the closest stop to the museum. From there, it's a 500-700 meter walk towards the fort. A single bus ticket costs 0.300 BHD. You can pay with exact change or use a GO Card. A GO Card can be purchased and topped up at the bus terminal for 0.500 BHD. With the GO Card, each trip will cost 0.275 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Manama and can take you directly to the Bahrain Fort Museum. The journey from Manama typically takes around 10 minutes. Taxi fares in Bahrain start at 2.0 BHD, with an additional charge of 1.0 BHD per kilometer. A 5km ride would cost approximately 7 BHD. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are also available.

  • Walking

    From the Seef Mall, it is a 15-20 minute walk to the fort. From the Karbabad bus stop, it is a 500-700 meter walk to the fort.

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Discover more about Bahrain Fort Museum

The Bahrain Fort Museum, an integral part of the Qal'at al-Bahrain UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to Bahrain's enduring legacy as a crossroads of civilizations. Located on the northern coast, approximately 4 kilometers from Manama, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through the island's captivating past, spanning over four millennia. The museum not only preserves the ancient historic features of the site but also meticulously documents the archaeological periods through the preservation of artifacts discovered at the site. Opened in February 2008, the museum's collection showcases five different historical periods arranged chronologically within separate galleries. Highlights include cuneiform inscriptions, Dilmun seals, Greek coins, and stone statues. The pottery collection reflects Bahrain's historical links with China, India, and Persia during the Islamic period, while artifacts like jewelry and musical instruments represent the Portuguese era. As you wander the atmospheric excavations of residential, commercial, public, military and religious buildings, contemplate this: humans have continuously inhabited this site since 2300 BC. The museum's design facilitates a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces, leading to a sea-facing façade that connects the heart of the village to the shoreline. The museum also features a main courtyard leading to a café which overlooks the coastline opposite the fort, as well as a lecture hall and gift shop. After exploring the exhibits, take a leisurely stroll along the fort's pathway to enjoy the panoramic views of the site.

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