Bin Matar House Travel Guide
Free Guide: Explore Bahrain's pearling history at this beautifully restored house, showcasing traditional architecture and the island's rich cultural heritage.
A brief summary of Bin Matar House
Explore Bahrain's pearling history at this beautifully restored house, showcasing traditional architecture and the island's rich cultural heritage.
Bin Matar House, located in Muharraq, is a beautifully restored traditional Bahraini house that once belonged to a prominent pearl merchant, Salman bin Hussein Bin Matar. Today, it serves as a museum and cultural center, showcasing Bahrain's rich pearling history and traditional architecture.
Opening hours
- Mon8 am–2 pm, 4 pm–7 pm
- Tue8 am–2 pm, 4 pm–7 pm
- Wed8 am–2 pm, 4 pm–7 pm
- Thu8 am–2 pm, 4 pm–7 pm
- FriClosed
- Sat8 am–2 pm, 4 pm–7 pm
- Sun8 am–2 pm, 4 pm–7 pm
Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.
- Address
- 7J35+6C7, Rd No 1129, Muharraq
- Phone
- Website
Getting there
Walking
Public Transport
Taxi
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Overview
Nestled in the heart of Muharraq, the Bin Matar House stands as a poignant reminder of Bahrain's pearling legacy. Constructed in 1905, this traditional Bahraini house was once the residence of Salman bin Hussein Bin Matar, a leading figure in the island’s thriving pearl trade. The house exemplifies the unique architectural style of the era, utilizing materials like palm tree trunks, sea-stone, and gypsum.Salman Bin Matar was a renowned pearl expert and trader in the late 19th century. Foreign buyers relied on his expertise when purchasing pearls, and he amassed a considerable fortune. The house's architecture reflects traditional Bahraini design, featuring balconies, an interior garden, and clean lines.Saved from demolition by the Sheikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, the house was reinvented as a museum dedicated to the history of pearling. The restoration process meticulously preserved the original architectural features, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and design of traditional Bahraini homes. The house reopened as a museum in 2009 and is now an integral part of Muharraq's 'Pearl Trail', a UNESCO World Heritage site.Today, the Bin Matar House serves as a cultural hub, hosting exhibitions that delve into the history of pearling, showcasing the tools, techniques, and traditions associated with this once-vital industry. The house also features an airy gallery that hosts rotating exhibitions by local, Arab, and international artists, fostering dialogue and exchange between different artistic traditions.
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