Dar al-Naft Oil Museum: Bahrain's Black Gold Legacy
Explore Bahrain's oil heritage at Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, where history and innovation converge to tell the story of the island's transformation.
The Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, also known as the Oil Museum, stands as a monument to Bahrain's rich petroleum history and its transformation from a small pearling community to a modern, oil-producing nation. Opened on June 2, 1992, by the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the museum commemorates the 60th anniversary of the discovery of oil in Bahrain. It is located adjacent to the first oil well, Discovery Well #1, at the foot of Jebel Dukhan, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the origins of Bahrain's oil industry. The museum's exhibits vividly depict the story of oil exploration, discovery, and development in Bahrain, showcasing its profound impact on the lives of Bahrainis. Visitors can journey through time, witnessing the evolution from a fishing community dependent on pearling to a cosmopolitan financial hub and promising industrial center. The displays include a picture gallery, historic documents, and items used in the first petroleum exploration expeditions. Samples of Bahrain's rocks, oil, and minerals, as well as models of oil well drilling and logging equipment, provide a comprehensive understanding of the industry's technical aspects. One of the museum's highlights is its collection of rocks and Earth's history exhibits. These include geodes, limestone, and dolomite from Bahrain, as well as amethyst and white quartz pieces from around the world. A prized desert rose, one of the largest ever found, is also on display. Fossils from Bahrain and other locations, including a 50-million-year-old shark tooth, offer insights into the geological past. The Bahrain Petroleum Company’s (Bapco) original office building, dating back to 1931, stands to the right of the museum, offering a glimpse into the early days of the oil industry. Dar al-Naft, meaning "House of Oil," is dedicated to the theme of oil, its search, discovery, and development in Bahrain, and its impact on the lives of Bahrainis.
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to attract more visitors.
- Take advantage of guided tours for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits.
- Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the museum and appreciate all the exhibits.
- Check the museum's schedule for special events or workshops during your visit.
A brief summary to Dar al-Naft Oil Museum
- 2HH3+225, BH
- +97317753475
Getting There
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From central Manama, the most convenient way to reach the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum is by taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes. Direct the driver to Jebel Dukhan, near Awali. The fare will likely range from 5 BHD to 8 BHD depending on traffic and the specific starting point within Manama.
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Public Transport
From Manama, take a bus heading towards Awali or the Southern Governorate. Alight at a stop near Awali, and from there, take a taxi to the museum. The bus fare is approximately 0.5 BHD, and the taxi from Awali to the museum will cost around 2-3 BHD. This option is more time-consuming but budget-friendly.
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Driving
If driving from Manama, head south on the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Follow signs for Awali. Once near Awali, look for signs directing you towards Jebel Dukhan and the Oil Museum. Note that the road to the museum is unmarked. Parking is available near the museum free of charge.
