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Bahrain Fort Museum: A Portal to the Dilmun Civilization

Explore 4,000 years of history at Bahrain Fort Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the island's captivating past and Dilmun civilization.

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The Bahrain Fort Museum, an integral part of the Qal'at al-Bahrain UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an immersive journey through Bahrain's captivating past, spanning over four millennia. Located on the northern coast, about 4 kilometers from Manama, the museum showcases artifacts discovered at the ancient fort, documenting the archaeological periods of this important historical site.

A brief summary to Bahrain Fort Museum

  • Tuesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-8 pm
  • Friday 8 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit the museum in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
  • Combine your museum visit with a walk around the adjacent Bahrain Fort, especially stunning when illuminated at night.
  • Take advantage of the free audio guide to learn about the site's history and significance.
  • Enjoy the sea views with a drink or snack at the Museum Café.
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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. Get off at the Karbabad bus stop, a 500-700 meter walk to the museum. A single bus ticket costs approximately 0.300 BHD.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Manama and can take you directly to the Bahrain Fort Museum. The journey typically takes around 10 minutes from central Manama. Expect to pay around 2 to 3 BHD for a short taxi ride from Manama.

  • Driving

    If driving from Manama, head west towards the Al Qalah area and follow the signs for Qal'at al-Bahrain. The journey typically takes around 10 minutes. There is a designated parking area near the museum entrance, and parking is generally free.

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Discover more about Bahrain Fort Museum

The Bahrain Fort Museum, opened in February 2008, stands as a testament to Bahrain's enduring legacy as a crossroads of civilizations. Situated on the northern coast of Bahrain, approximately 4 kilometers from Manama, the museum is an extension of the Qal'at al-Bahrain archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its exceptional universal value as an ancient harbor and capital of the Dilmun civilization. The museum meticulously documents the archaeological periods through the preservation of artifacts discovered at the site. The collection showcases five different historical periods arranged chronologically within separate galleries. Visitors can explore streets, residential structures, and monuments dating back to 2300 BC, surrounded by protective walls. The museum also displays ancient weaponry, including a mangonel and hand grenades found at Bahrain Fort. The three-dimensional design concept of the museum reflects a strong continuation between its interior and exterior spaces. The rear sea-facing façade opens a direct path from the heart of the village to the shoreline. The museum also contains a main courtyard leading to a café overlooking the coastline, as well as a lecture hall and gift shop. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can stroll along the fort's pathway to enjoy panoramic views. Excavations at the site have revealed that humans have occupied the area for nearly 4,500 years. The fort was the capital of the Dilmun civilization, mentioned in 4th century BC Sumerian cuneiform clay tablets. The current structure dates back to the Portuguese occupation in the 16th century. The fort was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2005, becoming the first site in Bahrain to be represented on the list.

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