Description of the attraction
Bahrain National Museum is the largest and one of the oldest public museums in the country. It is built next to King Faisal Highway in Manama and opened in December 1988. The architectural complex, worth $ 30 million, covers an area of 27,800 sq. meters and consists of two buildings. Bahrain National Theater is located next to the museum.
Visitors at the entrance are greeted by an interactive map of the country that occupies the entire floor of the hall. When you select a point of interest on the display, on a map, on a wall and on a photographic exhibition, a visual route is “laid” to it with the help of light indicators.
The museum has at its disposal a rich collection of antique archaeological artifacts dating back almost 5000 years of the country's history. The archeology complex includes three halls donated to the ancient civilization of Dilmun, while the other two halls reflect the culture and way of life of Bahrain's immediate past before the development of industry. An important exhibit is the Stones of Durand, long black basalt sculptures dating back to the Babylonian era.
In 1993, an additional nature history room was opened, focusing on the natural environment of Bahrain. This room displays samples of flora and fauna collected on the territory of the country. Among the exhibits of ancient history, one of the most spectacular is the Kurgan, which was transported from the desert near the city of Hamad, and collected in a museum. Another particularly interesting exhibit is a diorama depicting a scene from the epic of Gilgamesh. Old manuscripts of the Qur'an, notes on astronomy, historical documents and letters are displayed in the hall of documents and manuscripts.
The museum complex includes nine main galleries, an educational hall, a gift shop, a cafeteria and parking.
