Muscat: National Museum

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!Leggi altro