The National Museum
The National Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The National Museum - Sultanate of Oman, established in 2013, is the Sultanate's flagship cultural institution, showcasing the nation's heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula some two million years ago through to the present day. As a national institution with global outreach, the museum is dedicated to ensuring Oman's cultural heritage is understood and appreciated not only within the Sultanate, but also internationally. Further, it aims to provide opportunities for cultural expression, innovation and the transfer of traditional skills and knowledge from one generation to the next. The museum is located in the heart of Muscat in a magnificent purpose-designed building. The total area of the building is 13,700 square metres (147,000 sq ft), including 4,000 square metres (43,000 sq ft) allocated for 14 permanent galleries - The Land and the People Gallery, Maritime History Gallery, Arms and Armour Gallery, Aflaj Gallery, Currency Gallery, Prehistory and Ancient History Galleries, Splendours of Islam Gallery, Oman and the World Gallery, Intangible Heritage Gallery and Renaissance Gallery, among others. A further 400 square metres (4,300 sq ft) are allocated for temporary exhibitions. The National Museum houses 5466 objects and offers 43 digital immersive experiences, a fully equipped Learning Centre, state-of-the-art conservation facilities, a UHD cinema and discovery areas for children. It features an integrated infrastructure for special needs and is the first museum in the Middle East to adopt Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired. It also houses the region's first open-plan museum storage concept, where visitors can learn about the various processes that artefacts go through before they are put on display.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Explore585360416959 contributionsWell worth a visitLocated next to the beautiful Sultan's Palace, the museum is well worth a visit if you are interested in seeing some of the history of Oman. I've seen comments about the admission fee for tourists, but at 5 rial each it is well worth it. There are so many beautiful artefacts to see. The café is small but adequate.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 12, 2024
- MarcusHurleyCalne, United Kingdom10,787 contributionsThis is how to do a museum properly!Entry was 10 OMR for the 2 of us and the museum was superb. There were few other visitors and the museum was well laid out with all explanation panels in English, Arabic and braille. There was a multitude of different galleries covering weapons, seafaring, Islam, agriculture, trade, clothing, architecture and probably more. I really can't fault a single aspect of the museum, there were clear explanations for every exhibit, there were interactive displays to show how the old wooden boats were made and plenty of maps to show which region was being spoken about. Each gallery had portable stools that you could use of you wanted a breather and the whole prehistory and history of the region was covered. We discovered some awesome looking sites that I wasn't aware of that have now been added to my travel list! We spent 2 hours on the museum and only left because they were closing at 3PM (which we didn't know or we'd have got there earlier).Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten March 18, 2024
- Ali NazifpourTehran, Iran32 contributionsGreat museumA great beautiful museum with a great design and a comprehensive view of the history and the culture of Oman. You are missing out if you don't visit! PS. It's the only museum I've visited where you're encouraged to touch some displays so that's fun!Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten April 28, 2024
- WMBanditShanghai, China2,061 contributionsGreat museumGreat museum opposite the palace and at a very good location. Also opposite the bus that takes you to Mutrah and Ruwi. Very nice collection of things. Love especially the exhibition on various cultures and their connection to Oman. Overall an enjoyable visitVisited April 2024Travelled soloWritten April 30, 2024
- simon mTexas City, Texas18 contributionsExploring Oman's Rich Heritage at the National Museum with SuncityOmanVisiting the National Museum of Oman was an enriching journey through the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Located in Muscat, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Oman's evolution from ancient times to the present day. The museum's architecture itself is impressive, blending modern design with traditional Omani elements. Upon entering, I was greeted by friendly staff who provided helpful information about the museum's layout and exhibits. The museum is divided into several galleries, each showcasing different aspects of Omani history, culture, and natural heritage. One of the highlights was the "Land and People" gallery, which explores Oman's diverse landscapes, traditional lifestyles, and cultural practices through interactive displays and informative exhibits. The "History of Oman" gallery takes visitors on a chronological journey through Oman's past, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Exhibits include artifacts such as ancient pottery, tools, and jewelry, as well as informative displays on Oman's maritime history and role in the global trade networks. Another fascinating section is the "Ethnography and Traditions" gallery, which delves into the traditions, customs, and crafts of Oman's diverse communities. Intricately designed costumes, jewelry, and household items provide insight into the daily lives of Oman's people across different regions and historical periods. The museum also houses a remarkable collection of archaeological finds, including artifacts from ancient settlements and forts across Oman. These artifacts are displayed in a way that combines historical context with artistic presentation, making them both educational and visually captivating. Throughout my visit, I appreciated the museum's efforts to engage visitors through multimedia presentations, interactive exhibits, and informative panels in both English and Arabic. The audiovisual displays added depth to the exhibits, enhancing my understanding of Oman's cultural and historical significance. the National Museum of Oman is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the country's rich heritage. From its thoughtfully curated exhibits to its stunning architecture and informative presentations, the museum offers a captivating glimpse into Oman's past, present, and future. Whether you're a history enthusiast, cultural explorer, or simply curious about Oman's traditions, the National Museum provides an educational and inspiring experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of this fascinating country.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten July 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
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2torontotraveller
Toronto, Canada1,921 contributions
Jan 2020
I visited this museum while on a cruise. I have been to Oman twice before but had not seen this museum as it opened in 2016.
This museum was expensive to visit as I needed to take a cab to get to the museum. From the cruise terminal to the museum, this cost me $40 CAD return. I did not have the local currency and the cab company took any type of currency, including UAE and Canadian currency. The cab ride is about 10 minutes each way. The entrance fee to the museum was 5 rial which is about $17 CAD. The museum does take credit cards.
This museum is a state of the art museum as it was recently built and opened in 2016. It has a beautiful building which is located across from the Al Alam palace. The two floors cover all aspects of Omani culture and natural history. All the items do have English commentary, which helped me understand the Oman background.
I started my visit with the 15 minute Introductory film. I then went and visited the displays which had a life size fishing boat as well as smaller models. There was a bronze age beehive tomb, inticately carved doors, pottery, jewelery and traditional costumes. There was also a display of traditional musical instruments and you could listen to various recordings of traditional music. I also enjoyed the interactive display of the timeline of Oman history with its various rulers.
I spent about 3 hours here as I had to tell the cab driver what time to pick me up before I saw the museum. However, I could have spent 4 hours easily as there was a lot to see and do here.
This museum was expensive to visit as I needed to take a cab to get to the museum. From the cruise terminal to the museum, this cost me $40 CAD return. I did not have the local currency and the cab company took any type of currency, including UAE and Canadian currency. The cab ride is about 10 minutes each way. The entrance fee to the museum was 5 rial which is about $17 CAD. The museum does take credit cards.
This museum is a state of the art museum as it was recently built and opened in 2016. It has a beautiful building which is located across from the Al Alam palace. The two floors cover all aspects of Omani culture and natural history. All the items do have English commentary, which helped me understand the Oman background.
I started my visit with the 15 minute Introductory film. I then went and visited the displays which had a life size fishing boat as well as smaller models. There was a bronze age beehive tomb, inticately carved doors, pottery, jewelery and traditional costumes. There was also a display of traditional musical instruments and you could listen to various recordings of traditional music. I also enjoyed the interactive display of the timeline of Oman history with its various rulers.
I spent about 3 hours here as I had to tell the cab driver what time to pick me up before I saw the museum. However, I could have spent 4 hours easily as there was a lot to see and do here.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
T-SGlobetrotters
Preston, UK3,806 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The museum opened in 2016 stands on a purpose built site at the opposite end of the boulevard to the Al Alam palace. As you might expect the building itself is spectacular. It features displays covering of all aspects of Omani cultural and natural history housed over two floors. it is beautifully curated and each artefact has English commentary. There are super life size models of large fishing boats, the bronze age beehive tombs found at Al Ayn, intricately carved doors, as well as amazing mosaic pieces, ancient pottery, jewellery, traditional costume styles plus much more. There is also a 15 minute film on the history of Oman which alternates between Arabic and English.
Entry fee is five Rials per person for tourists but the entry fee is worth it. At the time of our visit they were also offering a 20% discount in the adjacent restaurant, we had lunch the.re and it too was excellent.
Need to allow two hours for the visit to fully appreciate the displays.
Entry fee is five Rials per person for tourists but the entry fee is worth it. At the time of our visit they were also offering a 20% discount in the adjacent restaurant, we had lunch the.re and it too was excellent.
Need to allow two hours for the visit to fully appreciate the displays.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tomo
152 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
The museum is quite small but you can learn a lot about the culture and history of Oman. The building itself is absolutely beautiful. It has a very modern look and it's located right across the Sultan's Palace.
I would recommend catching the short film that is in both Arabic and English.
I would recommend catching the short film that is in both Arabic and English.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SydneyGlobalShopper
Sydney, Australia355 contributions
Jan 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the National Museum. Fantastic display of Omani history, arts and culture. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon exploring the museum and learning about Omani history and culture. There is also an excellent cafe restaurant adjacent to the Museum which is well worth a visit for either a coffee stop or lunch. The Museum is across the road from the Sultan’s Palace. There is plenty of parking available adjacent to the Museum which is FOC. Do not miss this very beautiful Museum.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howarth S
Worcestershire, UK530 contributions
Jan 2020
In Matra, with a view towards the Sultan's palace. Cost about £10 entrance (5 rials). Photography (not flash) allowed. Lots to see. I particularly liked the section on frankincense and the frankincense tree. The traditional costumes of different regions of Oman were interesting - and unusually colourful compared to current norms of dress. Worth inspecting the table tops of the cafe - one is a slab of fossilised wood.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tour624342
Syracuse, NY11 contributions
Feb 2020
Opened in 2016, the museum traces the national heritage up through current day even displaying a document showing the late Sultan naming his successsor. Opposite the Royal Place, each of its galleries is devoted to a single theme. What really impressed me was the quality of the artifacts. They were not bits and pieces as often seen in historical museums. It provides an excellent display of Oman's cultures and history.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kimwan83
Doha, Qatar96 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a centrally located museum with easy access to several other places to visit in Muscat. A quick glimpse into Oman's diverse and rich culture, although it could do with more additions as this country has the most international/varied history in all my travels in M.E so far. Not as inward looking and this comes through in their embrace of their rich and diverse history through some of their displays.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monty Stoller
Stäfa, Switzerland366 contributions
Apr 2022
On our Oman round trip we visited the National Museum, which is housed in a very beautiful building in traditional architectural style right next to the Al Alam Palace. In large and high rooms there are numerous exhibits that tell a lot about the history, development, culture and ethics of the country. A short 10 minute film gives a brief overview of Oman. We could visit the well-structured exhibition wonderfully, because the number of visitors was very low. The entrance fee for tourists is OMR 5. Recommended.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
my journey
Muscat, Oman38 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
There are a lot of ancient items to see inside. But if you want to take a video or photo, it will be better to bring a phone or camera which has better low light photography, and videography capability. As the rooms are darker with a limited amount of spotlights.
The entry charge for resident cardholders is 2 OMR per person.
It's better to call the museum before you visit as sometimes there will be some functions going on so that it won't disturb your visit.
The section for the weapons and Armory and ship is worth to see.
The entry charge for resident cardholders is 2 OMR per person.
It's better to call the museum before you visit as sometimes there will be some functions going on so that it won't disturb your visit.
The section for the weapons and Armory and ship is worth to see.
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Explore58536041695
9 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Located next to the beautiful Sultan's Palace, the museum is well worth a visit if you are interested in seeing some of the history of Oman. I've seen comments about the admission fee for tourists, but at 5 rial each it is well worth it. There are so many beautiful artefacts to see.
The café is small but adequate.
The café is small but adequate.
Written March 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mustafa0zahran
Nizwa, Oman
you should change the listing from (muscat) to (muscat ,muscat government) so it ll appear along with other top attractions of muscat government such as alalm royal palace, the grand mosq and souq muttrah, now it doesn't appear for travelers unless the search by name. plus now there are two listings for the museum the other one is listed under muttrah city with just 11 reviews, which is confusing.
Written September 15, 2017
I've tried editing before and I can't. Secondly, I went by the name and location given on their own documentation at the time. Thanks
Written September 15, 2017
mishagamal93
Muscat Governorate, Oman
كيف يمكن التقدم لشغل وظيفة داخل المتحف؟ .مع العلم اني احمل شهادة البكالوريوس في السياحة قسم الإرشاد السياحي.
Written September 6, 2017
Dovete assolutamente aggiornare gli orari di apertura... quelli da voi forniti sono completamente sbagliati
Written December 13, 2016
Hello!
The timings are updated. Thank you.
@nm_oman
Written December 15, 2016
Is it open Friday 2-6 pm or not? There's no website and Google says 2-6 pm. They don't answer the phone. Local people think it's closed.
Written November 23, 2016
It is open from 2-6. I know because I visited on a Friday between those times. Hotel concierges have supposedly been briefed on the museum's opening hours.
Written November 24, 2016
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