With thousands of artefacts and other valuables of historic importance housed under one roof, it is worth visiting a museum, like these five museums right here in Muscat.
Al Madina Art Gallery
Based in the Muscat suburb of Madinat Qaboos, the Al Madina Art Gallery first opened its doors in 2004. Since then it has excelled in exhibiting Omani and expatriate amateur artists, as well as more established painters and photographers. The gallery includes workshops and field trips for all ages; reconnecting Oman’s growing and diversifying population with its vibrant and historic culture.
The gallery also has an impressive gift shop full of intricate Omani artefacts, many of which are made in the gallery’s workshop. Al Madina holds exhibitions for local and international visual artists in the region like French-born Juliette Thomson’s, whose work resonates with her surroundings in
Oman.
The National Museum Oman
A newcomer to the cultural scene, The National Museum Oman was established in 2013 to display Oman’s cultural heritage, from prehistoric times to the present. The institution aims to spread appreciation and recognition of Oman within the Sultanate, but also to educate the international community about Oman’s role in history.
With an exhibition space and over 10 galleries, the museum hosts a permanent collection and also has a gallery for temporary exhibitions. On display are some rare gold coins and utensils found in a recently excavated 16th-century shipwreck, thought to be part of Vasco Da Gama’s fleet, among other surprising things.
Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum
Inaugurated in 1988 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the Armed Forces Museum is a treasured monument that houses a variety of clothes, weapons, and other defence systems from the Omani armed forces, as well as walk you through the stages of its development throughout history.
Stal Gallery
Whilst the previous Omani galleries mentioned are increasingly international in their outlook, Stal Gallery focuses on Muscat’s residents and local artists. Set up by the non-for-profit Alserkal group in September 2013, the gallery serves as a shining beacon for the artistic community of Oman. The space serves as a hub for visual art lovers and artists; with exhibitions of refreshing mixed media; from photography to lithography.
One artist currently exhibiting at Stal, Alia Alfarsi, has gained recognition from her series of striking portraits of women. The artworks are created using a collage of textures, from real fabrics to create the woman’s clothing from torn pieces of writing as if to capture the woman’s conversation.
As guests ascend the stairs to the Muscat Gate Museum, they can take in a spectacular view of the city. Inside, the museum showcases Oman’s history and unique architecture, with an emphasis on the capital. There is also information about the ancient Aflaj irrigation systems, which Oman is famous for, and date back to 500 AD.
See more:
Top places to visit Oman
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