The best museums Nizwa And The Western Hajar

In the heart of the old hamlet, a 3-century-old wattle-and-daub house whose various rooms tell the story of Omani life in days gone by: a museum, but a living one, where a few villagers, dressed in their traditional finery, are busy reproducing the gestures and trades of yesteryear - making flour, making medicinal powders, baking local galettes (thin pancakes with jagged edges, to be eaten as bread), and so on. There's a room where dates are stored as they were "in the old days", another displaying traditional Omani clothing and costumes, and yet another showing furniture and objects from yesteryear. A loom reminds us that in the sultanate, cushions and carpets are made, the same ones on which people sit in the majlis: the reception room where guests of the day and visitors are welcomed, and dates are enjoyed with cardamom coffee. The breeze circulates through the many openings, the shelves are adorned with books and pottery, and the ladies chat, glancing at each other under their capes... Nearby, in the gardens, a man demonstrates date-picking: leaning on a sort of woollen strap that secures him during his ascent, he climbs up into the foliage, high up in the palms. It's a great photo opportunity, and one of the museum's attractions: photos are allowed, so you can take portraits of women... or just immerse yourself. On site, in another old mansion right next door: a large buffet restaurant.

Honey has always been harvested in the Sultanate and is part of the Omani diet. Date palm honey is the most common and can be recognized by its light golden colour. But there is also honey made from flowers, acacia or jujube tree among others, the most popular being the one harvested in the Hajar mountains. You can learn a lot in this small museum, held with heart by Ahmed, the beekeeper of Misfah. Possibility to taste and see the beehives. Shop.

Inaugurated in March 2023, this museum is the fruit of a project initiated almost 10 years ago by the late Sultan Qaboos. Pharaonic in scale, the new cultural center occupies a surface area of 300,000 m², with the buildings alone covering more than 66,000 m². Inside, some of the galleries are over 20 metres high. These extraordinary dimensions are a tribute to Oman's rich history.

Contemporary and stylish, the fabulous architectural design is inspired by the country's topography, particularly the Hajar mountains. Respect for the environment and local climatic conditions, a value dear to the late Sultan Qaboos, guided the project. Thus, the east facade has a low profile designed to receive morning light, while the windows on the west side are integrated into sloping walls to prevent the impact of direct sunlight. This design reduces the energy the museum needs for lighting.

Through 2 main halls divided into several thematic pavilions, the museum traces the country's history up to the present day and its vision for the future. Particular emphasis is placed on the last 50 years, highlighting the Sultanate's economic, political, social and technological metamorphoses since the 1970s. Constantly interactive and connected, the scenography, like the entrance hall, is exceptional: virtual images allow visitors to travel back in time, and several experiences are offered throughout the visit.