The National Museum
The National Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Explore58536041695
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth a visit
    Located next to the beautiful Sultan's Palace, the museum is well worth a visit if you are interested in seeing some of the history of Oman. I've seen comments about the admission fee for tourists, but at 5 rial each it is well worth it. There are so many beautiful artefacts to see. The café is small but adequate.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 12, 2024
  • MarcusHurley
    Calne, United Kingdom10,738 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is how to do a museum properly!
    Entry was 10 OMR for the 2 of us and the museum was superb. There were few other visitors and the museum was well laid out with all explanation panels in English, Arabic and braille. There was a multitude of different galleries covering weapons, seafaring, Islam, agriculture, trade, clothing, architecture and probably more. I really can't fault a single aspect of the museum, there were clear explanations for every exhibit, there were interactive displays to show how the old wooden boats were made and plenty of maps to show which region was being spoken about. Each gallery had portable stools that you could use of you wanted a breather and the whole prehistory and history of the region was covered. We discovered some awesome looking sites that I wasn't aware of that have now been added to my travel list! We spent 2 hours on the museum and only left because they were closing at 3PM (which we didn't know or we'd have got there earlier).
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 18, 2024
  • Ali Nazifpour
    Tehran, Iran32 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum
    A great beautiful museum with a great design and a comprehensive view of the history and the culture of Oman. You are missing out if you don't visit! PS. It's the only museum I've visited where you're encouraged to touch some displays so that's fun!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 28, 2024
  • WMBandit
    Shanghai, China2,062 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great museum
    Great museum opposite the palace and at a very good location. Also opposite the bus that takes you to Mutrah and Ruwi. Very nice collection of things. Love especially the exhibition on various cultures and their connection to Oman. Overall an enjoyable visit
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written April 30, 2024
  • simon m
    Texas City, Texas18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exploring Oman's Rich Heritage at the National Museum with SuncityOman
    Visiting the National Museum of Oman was an enriching journey through the country's rich history and cultural heritage. Located in Muscat, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Oman's evolution from ancient times to the present day. The museum's architecture itself is impressive, blending modern design with traditional Omani elements. Upon entering, I was greeted by friendly staff who provided helpful information about the museum's layout and exhibits. The museum is divided into several galleries, each showcasing different aspects of Omani history, culture, and natural heritage. One of the highlights was the "Land and People" gallery, which explores Oman's diverse landscapes, traditional lifestyles, and cultural practices through interactive displays and informative exhibits. The "History of Oman" gallery takes visitors on a chronological journey through Oman's past, from prehistoric times to the modern era. Exhibits include artifacts such as ancient pottery, tools, and jewelry, as well as informative displays on Oman's maritime history and role in the global trade networks. Another fascinating section is the "Ethnography and Traditions" gallery, which delves into the traditions, customs, and crafts of Oman's diverse communities. Intricately designed costumes, jewelry, and household items provide insight into the daily lives of Oman's people across different regions and historical periods. The museum also houses a remarkable collection of archaeological finds, including artifacts from ancient settlements and forts across Oman. These artifacts are displayed in a way that combines historical context with artistic presentation, making them both educational and visually captivating. Throughout my visit, I appreciated the museum's efforts to engage visitors through multimedia presentations, interactive exhibits, and informative panels in both English and Arabic. The audiovisual displays added depth to the exhibits, enhancing my understanding of Oman's cultural and historical significance. the National Museum of Oman is a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring the country's rich heritage. From its thoughtfully curated exhibits to its stunning architecture and informative presentations, the museum offers a captivating glimpse into Oman's past, present, and future. Whether you're a history enthusiast, cultural explorer, or simply curious about Oman's traditions, the National Museum provides an educational and inspiring experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of this fascinating country.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles445 reviews
Excellent
288
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129
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20
Poor
5
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3

SydneyGlobalShopper
Sydney, Australia355 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the National Museum. Fantastic display of Omani history, arts and culture. You can easily spend a morning or afternoon exploring the museum and learning about Omani history and culture. There is also an excellent cafe restaurant adjacent to the Museum which is well worth a visit for either a coffee stop or lunch. The Museum is across the road from the Sultan’s Palace. There is plenty of parking available adjacent to the Museum which is FOC. Do not miss this very beautiful Museum.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Howarth S
Worcestershire, UK532 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
In Matra, with a view towards the Sultan's palace. Cost about £10 entrance (5 rials). Photography (not flash) allowed. Lots to see. I particularly liked the section on frankincense and the frankincense tree. The traditional costumes of different regions of Oman were interesting - and unusually colourful compared to current norms of dress. Worth inspecting the table tops of the cafe - one is a slab of fossilised wood.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tour624342
Syracuse, NY11 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Opened in 2016, the museum traces the national heritage up through current day even displaying a document showing the late Sultan naming his successsor. Opposite the Royal Place, each of its galleries is devoted to a single theme. What really impressed me was the quality of the artifacts. They were not bits and pieces as often seen in historical museums. It provides an excellent display of Oman's cultures and history.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

kimwan83
Doha, Qatar96 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
This is a centrally located museum with easy access to several other places to visit in Muscat. A quick glimpse into Oman's diverse and rich culture, although it could do with more additions as this country has the most international/varied history in all my travels in M.E so far. Not as inward looking and this comes through in their embrace of their rich and diverse history through some of their displays.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Monty Stoller
Stäfa, Switzerland366 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
On our Oman round trip we visited the National Museum, which is housed in a very beautiful building in traditional architectural style right next to the Al Alam Palace. In large and high rooms there are numerous exhibits that tell a lot about the history, development, culture and ethics of the country. A short 10 minute film gives a brief overview of Oman. We could visit the well-structured exhibition wonderfully, because the number of visitors was very low. The entrance fee for tourists is OMR 5. Recommended.
Written May 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

my journey
Muscat, Oman38 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
There are a lot of ancient items to see inside. But if you want to take a video or photo, it will be better to bring a phone or camera which has better low light photography, and videography capability. As the rooms are darker with a limited amount of spotlights.
The entry charge for resident cardholders is 2 OMR per person.
It's better to call the museum before you visit as sometimes there will be some functions going on so that it won't disturb your visit.
The section for the weapons and Armory and ship is worth to see.
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Explore58536041695
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
Located next to the beautiful Sultan's Palace, the museum is well worth a visit if you are interested in seeing some of the history of Oman. I've seen comments about the admission fee for tourists, but at 5 rial each it is well worth it. There are so many beautiful artefacts to see.
The café is small but adequate.
Written March 12, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

SueKot
London, UK436 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Couples
Opened in 2016 the museum is opposite the Royal Palace. The exhibits are well curated and there are distinct themed exhibition areas. The exhibits are not overcrowded enabling time to appreciate them.

The ground floor has the maritime history as well as beautiful models of the various castles. The first floor should be followed anti-clockwise in order to see the exhibits in chronological order.

The quality is high.
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert D
Brooklyn, New York4,337 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
This modern museum has many exhibits to see on the history and culture of Oman. There are historical artifacts dating back 2 million years as well as more recent objects. I spent about 2.5 hours enjoying the various exhibits.
Written March 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vinayak W
Nagpur, India101 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2022 • Couples
National Museum, Muscat houses lots of historical artifacts, it depicts Oman's Arts, culture, heritage history in a very nice way.
It is two story building also has auditorium wbich shows films about Oman history. We saw a beautiful 10 min. Documentry in english. Entry ticket is 5 OMR for adult foreigners. It is worth visiting.
It is just in front of Sultan's Palace- Al Alam Palace.
Written June 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The National Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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