• RTW Redux ... 2023
    National Museum ... Untitled painting by Anwar Sonya — Muscat, Oman
    The main foyer of the National Museum includes the replica stern of a galleon — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... al-Bab as-Saghir ... a Muscat gate dated to the 13th century — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... incense burners — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... traditional costumes — Muscat, Oman.Silver Janbiya (curved, double edged dagger) on a woven belt (circa 1750-1850) & a parrying shield.National Museum ... the great fort @ ar-Rustaq is the second largest in the country — Muscat, OmanThe National Emblem stands as a reminder of the historic battles waged to build the peaceful nation.National Museum ... Badan Sayyad ... a vessel used by fishermen along the coast (19th century).National Museum ... Kamal (khashabah) set ... used to measure the altitudes of stars — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... warp straps used for camels — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... Men's caps (kimēm) ... 21st century — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... 20th century lizard skin carrying bag (ukkah) for ghee and honey — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... more than 50,000 Bronze-Age tombs once covered the Oman Peninsula.Full scale reproduction of Hajj Mal Allah Muradani's house rochen ... a coastal architectural style.Key of Sana'a ... presented by Ali A. Saleh, former President of Yemen, to the late Sultan Qaboos.National Museum — Saidi-style turban of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said — Muscat, Oman.Original will letter of Sultan Qaboos recommending his successor, Sayyid Haitham bin Tarik.National Museum — Muscat, Oman.National Museum ... Dignity by Ruqaya bint Juma al-Siyabi — Muscat, Oman.

    Muscat: National Museum

    April 24, 2023 in Oman ⋅ ⛅ 90 °F

    The walk from the palace complex to the National Museum of Oman was not all that long. But by the time we walked up the steps and entered the museum, we were grateful for the cool A/C.

    Though free admission is granted to senior citizens, that does not extend to foreign visitors. No matter. The admission wasn’t all that expensive anyway —just OMR 5 per person (~$12.50pp). We paid up and entered the first gallery … and knew immediately that the cost of admission was going to be well worth it.

    Established in 2013, the museum is described on the website as “… the Sultanate’s flagship cultural institution, showcasing the nation’s heritage from the earliest evidence of human settlement in the Oman Peninsula through to the present day.”

    Housed in the purpose-designed building constructed by royal decree, the collections focus on “… objects created in Oman, or which carry a particular connection with the cultural heritage of Oman.” The 7,000+ objects in the museum’s inventory are grouped as Crafts Industries, Architectural Heritage, Archaeological Findings, Works on Paper, Applied Arts, Maritime Heritage, Fine Arts, State Gifts, and more.

    We spent a good hour and a half at the museum. And could have spent a great deal longer. Except that it started getting quite crowded … and noisy with a couple of school groups amongst the visitors as well.

    Time for us to head back to Mutrah. Turns out that was easier said than done!    Read more