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Bin Matar House, Muharraq Island Travel Guide

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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.

A brief summary to Bin Matar House

  • Monday 8 am-2 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-2 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-2 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-2 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-2 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-2 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bin Matar House.

  • Visit during the cooler hours of the day (morning or late afternoon) to comfortably explore the outdoor courtyard and surrounding historic area.
  • Check the Sheikh Ebrahim Center's website for current art exhibitions and cultural events happening at Bin Matar House during your visit.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby historic houses in Muharraq, such as the Shaikh Isa bin Ali House, for a comprehensive cultural experience.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    Bin Matar House is located in the heart of Muharraq, easily accessible on foot from many points within the old city. From the Pearling Path Visitor and Experience Center, walk south along the main road, then turn left onto Rd No 1129. The house will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes, allowing you to appreciate the traditional architecture of the surrounding area.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve Muharraq. From the Airport Avenue-3/Muharraq Park bus stop, it's a short walk to Bin Matar House. Check the Moovit app for the most up-to-date bus schedules and routes. A single bus fare costs approximately 0.30 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Muharraq. A short taxi ride from the Bahrain International Airport to Bin Matar House will cost approximately 6-8 BHD and take around 3 minutes. You can also use ride-hailing apps to book a taxi.

Discover more about Bin Matar House

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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File:ISS022-E-66456 - View of Bahrain.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

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