Dar al-Naft Oil Museum: Bahrain's Black Gold Legacy
Explore Bahrain's oil heritage at Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, witnessing the kingdom's transformation from pearl diving to an oil-rich nation.
Explore Bahrain's oil heritage at the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum, where history and innovation converge to tell the story of the island's transformation into a modern, oil-rich nation. The museum is dedicated to the theme of oil, its search, discovery, and development in Bahrain, and its impact on the lives of Bahrainis. 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 history of the region. The surrounding landscape, dotted with oil pumps and crisscrossed by pipelines, provides a stark visual representation of the oil industry's presence in Bahrain. Visitors can also see the first oil well, which began operations in 1932, marking a significant milestone in the region's history. 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.
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to attract more visitors.
- Call ahead to confirm opening hours, as the museum is not always open.
- Take advantage of guided tours for a more in-depth understanding of the exhibits.
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. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
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Public Transport
To reach the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum using public transportation, start by locating the nearest bus stop. Look for buses that head towards Sitra or Manama. You can ask locals or check the bus schedule for routes that pass near the museum. Once on the bus, inform the driver that you want to get off at the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum stop or the closest stop to it. After getting off the bus, walk towards the museum, following any directional signs you see along the way. The bus fare is approximately 0.500 BHD. From Awali, a taxi to the museum will cost around 2-3 BHD.
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Driving
If driving from Manama, head south on the Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway. Follow signs for Awali. After approximately 40 minutes, look for signs to the Dar al-Naft Oil Museum. The museum is located off Avenue 49, south of Awali. There is free parking available near the museum entrance.
