Pearl Diving Monument, Manama

The Pearl Diving Monument in Manama is a striking tribute to the nation's rich pearling history, located next to the Bahrain National Museum. This intriguing sculpture features an upside-down man, a pearl diver, meticulously searching the depths for pearls—a nod to Bahrain's epithet, the "Pearl of the Gulf." This nickname not only references the natural pearls found in the local waters but also the country's significant cultural heritage linked to pearling, which was historically a major economic activity in the region.

Designed by Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, the monument was inaugurated in December 1988 by Amir Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa. Situated on the quay with the Manama city skyline as its backdrop, the statue provides a picturesque scene for visitors to the museum. The museum itself is a treasure trove of Bahraini culture, with collections that cover 6,000 years of history across various domains including Burial Mounds, Dilmun, Tylos, Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, as well as Documents and Manuscripts.

Adjacent to the museum is the Bahrain National Theatre, another architectural marvel that opened in 2012. Designed by Architecture-Studio, the theatre is visually captivating, constructed as a glass box that offers panoramic views of the surrounding lagoon. It features a golden overhanging roof that provides shade and complements the theatre's aesthetic.

Together, the Pearl Diving Monument and the surrounding cultural landmarks underscore Bahrain's commitment to celebrating and preserving its historical and cultural identity.