A Complete Guide to Museums in Oman: Locations, Timings, Ticket Fees

In this complete guide, we cover a full list of museums in Oman including timings, entry prices, what to see, and more

Posted on

18 May 2023

| Last updated on 22 May 2023

by Clarice Awa

Explore the country's history and culture with our essential guide to Oman's museums.

The Sultanate of Oman possesses a rich history dating back around 100,000 years.

The independent Arab state's culture, art, and historical scene is an impressive one, carefully preserved through the museums in Oman.

Our complete guide to Oman museums features a full list, including visitor timings, ticket pricing, and what you can expect.

1. The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman

Starting off our list of museums in Oman is The National Museum of the Sultanate of Oman, located in Al Saidiya street, Muscat.

Established in 2013, this museum showcases the country's cultural heritage, spanning from the earliest evidence of human activity in Oman to present day. Visitors can expect educational galleries detailing Oman's civilisation in the making, its renaissance, ancient history, maritime history, currency, and more.

Museum Details:

Museum timings: Saturday to Thursday (10AM - 5PM) and Fridays (2PM - 6PM)
Ticket cost: OMR 2 for Residents | OMR 1 for GCC Nationals and adult citizens | OMR 5 for Tourists
Free entry: Free entry for senior citizens, senior GCC Nationals, senior Residents (60 years old and above), students (up to 25 years old), Friends of Oman Museums, and visitors with special needs
Location: Opposite of Qasr al-Alam Palace, Muscat, Oman.

For more information, visit: nm.gov.om

A Complete Guide to Museums in Oman | The National Museum of Oman

Pictured: The National Museum of Oman.

2. Bait Al Zubair

Bait Al Zubair is an award-winning museum in Oman dedicated to the sultanate's heritage and culture.

This museum opened its doors to visitors in 1998, with an impressive collection of historical Omani artefacts, ancient weaponry and armour, permanent art collections, and other heritage pieces. Visitors can also see two historical canons on display, gifted by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said to mark the opening of Bait Al Zubair museum.

There are six separate buildings to see, a garden, a miniature traditional Omani village, an aflaj system, as well as a cultural lab focusing on poetry, art, translation, and more.

Museum Details:

Museum timings: Saturday to Thursday (9:30AM - 6PM)
Ticket cost: OMR 3 for visitors aged 16 and above | OMR 1 per child (10 to 15 years old)
Free entry: Free entry for kids aged 10 and below
Location: Al Saidiya Street, Muscat, Oman

For more information, visit: baitalzubair.com

A Complete Guide to Museums in Oman | Bait Al Zubair Museum

Pictured: Displays at Bait Al Zubair museum in Oman.

3. Sultan's Armed Forces Museum (SAF Museum)

For those interested in learning more about Oman's military history, the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum (SAF Museum) is one of the best educational centres to visit for it.

From weaponry and armour to military vehicles and other heritage displays, visitors can explore the nation's military history up to present day.

Museum Details:

Museum timings: Sunday to Thursday (8AM - 1:30PM)
Ticket cost: OMR 2 for residents | OMR 3 for tourists
Location: Al Mujamma street, Muscat, Oman

For more information, visit: internal.mod.gov.om/en-US/COSSAF/SAFMuseum

A Complete Guide to Museums in Oman | Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

Pictured: Entrance to the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum (SAF Museum).

4. Oman Across Ages Museum

Oman Across Ages is around a 15-20 minute drive away from Nizwa city. It is a cultural and educational centre offering visitors insight into Oman's rich history from the 1970s till date, while offering a glimpse into the Arab state's prospective future.

Museum Details:

Museum timings:Saturday to Thursday from 9AM - 5PM
Ticket cost: OMR 1 for Omanis and GCC citizens, OMR 2 for Oman residents, and OMR 5 for tourists
Location: Wilayat of Manah, near Nizwa, Ad Dhakhiliyah, Oman

A Complete Guide to Museums in Oman |Oman Across Ages Museum

Pictured: Oman Across Ages Museum, the sultanate's largest museum.

5. Museum of the Frankincense Land in Oman

The Museum of the Frankincense Land (also known as The Museum of the Land of Frankincense) is Salalah city's only museum, and it is part of Al Baleed Archeological Park.

Inside this museum, visitors will find two halls dedicated to Oman's maritime and archeological heritage. On display are historical local artefacts found in Oman's UNESCO world heritage sites, information of the country's historical and archeological heritage, models of mosques and tombs, poetry and other manuscripts, models of old boats from 3,000 B.C to present day, plus more!

Museum Details:

Museum timings: 9AM to 7PM everyday except Sundays and Fridays (museum is closed during these two days)
Ticket cost: OMR 1 for Oman Residents
Location: Salalah, Dhofar Governorate, Oman

A Complete Guide to Museums in Oman | Museum of the Frankincense Land

Pictured: Entrance to the Museum of the Frankincense Land in Oman.

6. The Natural History Museum of Oman

Indigenous flora, plants, mammals, insects, birds, and other wildlife in Oman can be explored at The Natural History Museum of Oman.

The centre houses a beautiful and educational botanical garden, with information about every one of Oman's native species. A major treat is the whale room, where you'll find an incredible display of a sperm whale's massive skeleton. This is a great spot for children, students, families, and interested individuals to learn more about the sultanate's natural environment.