THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

Opened in July 2016, the National Museum of Oman, by its architecture and the elegance of its lines, presents itself as a major and unmissable building of the country in the line of the great works undertaken under the reign of Sultan Qaboos - the Great Mosque, the Royal Opera House. Immaculate and proudly situated at the end of the esplanade facing the al-Alam Palace, this national jewel, imbued with a sober majesty, is naturally part of the old Muscat district - its peaceful and flowery streets, its well-kept buildings, its chic atmosphere steeped in history and culture... International in its conception and scenography, oriental in style, but in a refined way (vast perspectives, skylights, stylized arabesques), this fabulous complex is the showcase for retracing and appropriating the history and traditions of the country since the appearance of the human race in the Omani peninsula until today.

Fourteen permanent and thematic galleries (Maritime History Gallery, Splendors of Islam, Oman and the World, etc.) make up this vast, bright and modern complex, and allow visitors to discover no less than 5,500 objects - ancient pottery, weapons, jewelry, coffee pots, precious dishes, chests, antiques, etc. - all presented in such a harmonious way that the visitor is able to see the history of the country. - All of this is presented in such a harmonious way that one could come here for the sole pleasure of an aesthetic stroll. The museum's educational, cultural and humanitarian mission is nonetheless omnipresent and is first echoed in the twenty-minute introductory film, which is a must-see in the Gallery of Arms and Armor. Then, everyone is free to glean didactic information (in English, Arabic and Braille) from the various information panels, particularly those that introduce each gallery and each theme by drawing attention to thekey objects in each space. For the attention of children or the curious, the What is it panels highlight the most surprising objects, those whose meaning or initial function is difficult to guess at first glance, like this small incense burner in the shape of a boat exhibited in the Gallery of Prehistory and Ancient History. We appreciate the numerous interactive screens and the playful activities dedicated to the youngest visitors who will not remain insensitive to the incredible weapons, accessories, clothes, jewels, etc., testifying to the rich heritage and influence of the Sultanate through the ages. A little cheer in passing for the essay dated 1841 by the Frenchman Edmond Pâris on the shipbuilding of non-European peoples and also for the globe offered by François Mitterrand during a diplomatic visit of Sultan Qaboos in Paris in 1989 and on which the artist Fernand Pouillon has made appear the places dear to the former president such as Jarnac, Chateau-Chinon, Cluny or Solutré! By way of introduction, take the time to watch the video dedicated to the museum on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/embed/thZJNoABmGw?list=PL6FBEF7B4438D3F03) to get a clear idea of the beauty of the spaces, the size of the rooms, the modernity of the staging combined with the majesty of the openwork windows and doors where the light filters through the arabesques. Not to be missed!

New: the entrance ticket now gives access to Bait Greiza, the former residence of the sultan located 700 meters from the museum, and superbly restored.