National Museum of Oman

المتحف الوطني

Oman's flagship museum, opposite Al Alam Palace, showcasing the nation's heritage, maritime history and Islamic art in modern galleries. It offers excellent context for understanding the country.

Things to do

• Explore the Land and People Gallery — Discover Oman's geography, tribal heritage and traditional lifestyles across mountain, desert and coastal regions.
• Visit the Maritime History Gallery — Learn about Oman's seafaring legacy, dhow building and trade routes that stretched to East Africa and Asia.
• See the Arms and Armour Gallery — Admire the khanjar daggers, swords and firearms that shaped Omani warrior and ceremonial traditions.
• Experience the Braille and touch features — This is the first museum in the Gulf with Arabic Braille script for the visually impaired throughout its galleries.
• View the Splendours of Islam Gallery — Take in manuscripts, calligraphy and decorative arts reflecting Oman's Ibadi Islamic heritage.
• Photograph Al Alam Palace opposite — Step outside to admire the ceremonial royal palace with its gold and blue facade facing the museum.
• Walk to the Portuguese forts nearby — See the 16th-century Al Jalali and Al Mirani forts guarding the old Muscat harbour beside the palace.

Food to try

• Shuwa — Marinated lamb wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground sand oven for celebrations.
• Omani halwa — A sticky sweet made from rosewater, saffron, nuts and ghee, offered with kahwa as a sign of hospitality.
• Kahwa — Cardamom-spiced Omani coffee served in small cups, often alongside dates in traditional welcome rituals.
• Majboos — Fragrant spiced rice cooked with chicken, lamb or fish, a staple main dish across Omani households.
• Mushaltat — A stuffed savoury pastry filled with meat or cheese, popular as a snack in old Muscat eateries.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress modestly — Cover shoulders and knees as this is a formal national institution near the royal palace.
• Photography rules vary — Some galleries restrict flash or photography, so check signage and ask staff before shooting exhibits.
• Respect the royal palace area — Al Alam Palace opposite is an official residence, so photograph from the public square and avoid restricted zones.
• Plan around prayer times — Opening hours and nearby services may pause briefly during daily prayers, especially on Fridays.

Nearby

• Old Muscat — 0 km
• Al Jalali and Al Mirani Forts — 1 km
• Mutrah Corniche — 3 km
• Mutrah Souq — 3 km