National Museum, Muscat

Situated in the heart of Muscat, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is a flagship cultural institution that showcases the nation’s heritage from the earliest human settlement in the Oman Peninsula to the present day. Established by a royal decree in 2013, the museum was developed over ten years of collaboration between the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, the Royal Estate Affairs of Oman, Jasper Jacob Associates, and Arts Architecture International Ltd. It opened its doors to the public on July 30, 2016.

The museum boasts an impressive collection of 5,466 objects, including a significant collection of prehistoric metallic artifacts. Its curator, Mouza Sulaiman Mohamed Al-Wardi, is part of an international team exploring the legacy of Oman's silver working tradition, which historically included women as silversmiths.

Designed with state-of-the-art infrastructure, the museum offers 43 digital immersive experiences, a learning center, conservation facilities, an ultra-high definition cinema, and discovery areas for children. One of its unique features is an open-plan museum storage concept, where visitors can learn about the various processes that artifacts go through before they are put on display. The museum is also the first in the Middle East to adopt Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired, and it provides integrated infrastructure for special needs.

The purpose-built museum building spans 13,700 square meters (147,000 square feet), including 4,000 square meters (43,000 square feet) dedicated to 14 permanent galleries, and an additional 400 square meters (4,300 square feet) for temporary exhibitions. With its impressive collection, modern facilities, and commitment to accessibility, the National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Oman's rich cultural heritage.