The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman is a museum located in Oman. It was developed as a result of a ten-year collaboration between the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, the Royal Estate Affairs of Oman, Jasper Jacob Associates (J.J.A.), and Arts Architecture International Ltd (A.A.I.), and opened to the public in 2016.
History of National Museum Oman
The National Museum stands as Oman’s foremost cultural institution, offering a comprehensive exploration of the Sultanate’s rich heritage from its earliest human settlements to the present day.
Located in Muscat’s heart, the museum occupies a purpose-designed building that exudes the grandeur of a palace, harmonizing with the surrounding district. Positioned at one end of Muscat’s ceremonial boulevard, it faces the majestic Qasr al-Alam Palace. Spanning 13,700 square meters, the museum comprises 4,000 square meters dedicated to 14 permanent galleries, each delving into different facets of Oman’s cultural legacy. An additional 400 square meters are reserved for temporary exhibitions.
Within its walls, the museum boasts a collection of over 7,000 artifacts and offers 33 immersive digital experiences. It is equipped with state-of-the-art conservation facilities, a UHD cinema, and interactive zones for children. Notably, it prioritizes accessibility, featuring integrated infrastructure for individuals with special needs and pioneering the adoption of Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired. Furthermore, the museum introduces the region’s first open-plan museum storage concept, allowing visitors insight into artifact preservation processes.
Established by Royal Decree 62/2013 on 16 Muharram 1435 AH (corresponding to 20 November 2013 CE), the museum operates as a legally independent entity with financial and administrative autonomy, entrusted with safeguarding Oman’s cultural heritage assets.