City: Muscat Governorate
Top Things to do in Muscat Governorate
5 History Museums in Muscat Governorate That You Shouldn't Miss
The Omani city of Muscat is predominantly populated by Islamic Arabs, though it also has a sizable, non-resident Indian population, further rounded out by American, British and Dutch citizens. Muscat is a tolerant and progressive city, where English speakers are relatively common. Arrange fares beforehand if seeing the city by taxi. To explore further, consider renting a car. Don't miss the imposing Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, atmospheric Old Muttrah Souk, Al Alam Royal Palace or Al Jalali Fort.
Restaurants in Muscat Governorate
1. Ghalya's Museum of Modern Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Ghalyas Museum of Modern Art is now known as Place & People Museum. It invites visitors to explore Oman’s past, present and future aura, being welcomed not by one person, or several people, but by a whole culture. The display of modern works, in conjunction with the historic life of the 50s and 70s is intended to create a feeling that the “inner” Omani continues forever unchanging. With a permanent collection of heritage, culture, tradition and art, Place & People Museum serves as a museum and a showcase.
Reviewed By 28katea - Melbourne, Australia
This little unassuming museum of modern daily life in Muscat-Oman is a terrific introduction to how people lived. The country is in the midst of massive change and it is good to be able to consider where it is coming from. Highly recommended.
2. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 392 reviews
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.
Reviewed By T-SGlobetrotters - Preston, United Kingdom
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.
3. The National Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By bryanisalsotan - Singapore, Singapore
Very nice exhibits, all maintained and kept well. Showed interesting details of the history of Oman. Staff at the information booth were very friendly and helpful, especially Mohammed.
