Manama, the vibrant capital of Bahrain, offers a fascinating journey through time with its impressive collection of museums in Manama. Whether you're a history enthusiast, culture lover, or simply curious about this island nation's rich heritage, these museums provide unforgettable insights into Bahrain's past and present.

During your stay at Wyndham Garden Manama, take the opportunity to explore these cultural treasures that bring 6,000 years of history to life.

Bahrain National Museum Manama

Location: Shaikh Hamad Causeway, on an artificial peninsula overlooking Muharraq Island, adjacent to the Bahrain National Theatre.

The Bahrain National Museum Manama stands as the country's most popular tourist attraction and is widely regarded as one of the finest museums in the Gulf region. Opened in December 1988, this magnificent postmodern building features a distinctive white travertine marble facade and spans approximately 20,000 square meters of exhibition space. Designed by renowned Danish architects Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, the museum serves as the repository of 6,000 years of Bahrain's history, from the ancient Dilmun civilization to the modern era.

The museum complex consists of two connected buildings housing permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibition halls, an art gallery, a lecture hall, a gift shop, and the popular Darseen Café with stunning views of the bay and National Theatre.

Key Attractions

Hall of Dilmun Graves: This remarkable exhibit features actual burial mounds dating from 2300 BC to 200 AD that were carefully dismantled from their original sites and reconstructed within the museum. The hall, renovated in 2018 by French architect Didier Blin, showcases burial practices of the ancient Dilmun civilization and features newly installed multimedia displays alongside findings from recent archaeological excavations. The Dilmun Burial Mounds were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019.

Hall of Dilmun: Discover artifacts from the ancient Dilmun civilization (5000-400 BC), including Dilmunite stamp seals, pottery, and treasures from the Barbar Temple and Saar Temple. Notable exhibits include the Durand Stone, a long black basalt sculpture from the Babylonian era, and a tableau depicting scenes from the Epic of Gilgamesh, which references Bahrain as the paradise of Dilmun.

Hall of Tylos and Islam: Explore Bahrain's Hellenic-influenced history from the 2nd century BC, featuring pottery, glassware, and jewelry from the Tylos period. The hall also displays discoveries from Khamis Mosque, including unique gravestones and rare coins such as the Umayyad dirham.

Hall of Customs and Traditions: Experience life-sized models recreating traditional Bahraini customs, crafts, and ceremonies before the discovery of oil in 1931, including births, weddings, and religious celebrations.

Hall of Traditional Trades and Crafts: This immersive exhibit features a detailed recreation of a traditional Bahraini souq complete with vendors and artisans, from barbers and bakers to blacksmiths, tailors, weavers, and vegetable sellers. It includes a section on pearl diving, which was crucial to Bahrain's pre-oil economy.

Additional Highlights: The museum features a large floor map of Bahrain extending throughout the main hall, contemporary sculpture exhibitions in the outdoor courtyard, and rotating displays of works by Bahraini artists.

Opening Times

• Daily: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Note: Opening hours may vary during the holy month of Ramadan
• Entry Fee: 1 BHD (Bahraini Dinar) for adults, 0.5 BHD for students

Find out more: https://culture.gov.bh/en/authority/cultural_sites/BahrainNationalMuseum/

Beit Al Quran (House of Quran)

Location: Building No. 17, Road No. 1901, Hoora, Diplomatic Area, Manama

Description

Established in 1990, Beit Al Quran is a multi-purpose complex dedicated to Islamic arts and is recognized as one of the most renowned Islamic museums in the world. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern Bahraini architecture, wrapped in carved Kufic script with ceilings featuring intricate designs reminiscent of ancient Islamic decorations. The complex includes the Al Hayat Museum, a mosque, a library, an auditorium, and a madrasa (Quranic school).

The museum houses a treasure trove of rare Quranic manuscripts and Islamic artifacts, with ten exhibition halls spread over two floors showcasing the finest collection of ancient Qurans in the region, some dating back to the 7th century.

Key Attractions

Rare Quranic Manuscripts: The museum displays manuscripts on parchment from Mecca, Medina, Damascus, and Baghdad, with special preservation procedures to protect them from damage. Notable pieces include an early Kufic manuscript from the late 7th century and Quranic texts from the first century Hijra (700 CE).

Historical Treasures: See a rare manuscript of the Quran dating from 1694 CE printed in Germany, and the world's oldest translated copy of the Quran, translated to Latin in Switzerland in 955 CE. The museum also houses a copy of the Quran written during the reign of Caliph Uthman ibn Affan.

Miniature Qurans: Marvel at the collection of tiny Qurans, including the smallest measuring only 4.7cm by 3.2cm from 18th-century Persia, which can only be read using optical instruments. There's also an impressive 192 cm scroll with Quranic text.

Unique Artifacts: View grains, peas, and rice from the 14th century with surahs engraved into them, rare gold and copper pots, and glassware from Iraq, Turkey, Iran, and Egypt. The library houses works by ancient Persian poets Rumi and Omar Khayyam.

Islamic Calligraphy: The museum places particular emphasis on Islamic calligraphy in its various forms, showcasing the artistic beauty of Arabic script and woodcarvings.

Opening Times

• Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Fridays: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (some sources indicate closed)
• Saturdays: 8:00 AM - 1:30 PM (or closed, depending on source)
• During Ramadan: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• Entry Fee: 1 BHD (some visitors report free entry with donation box)

Visitors should dress conservatively. Main entrance and parking are on the southern side of the building.

Find out more: https://culture.gov.bh/en/visitingbahrain/CulturalTourism/10top_must_dos/Name,10135,en.html

Bahrain Post Museum

Location: Behind Bab Al Bahrain, Government Avenue, Building 157, Block 304, Manama (in the original Manama post office building)

Description

Located in the historic postal building near the iconic Bab Al Bahrain landmark, the Bahrain Post Museum has been recently renovated to beautifully showcase the history of Bahrain's postal services dating back to 1884. This charming museum combines modern and antique design elements, creating an eclectic atmosphere that brings postal history to life. The museum is small but wonderfully curated, making it an excellent stop during your exploration of Manama's souq area.

Key Attractions

Extensive Stamp Collection: 

The museum houses over 4,000 rare stamps from more than 195 countries and territories. The collection includes the world's first postage stamp issued in Britain in 1840, making it a must-visit for philatelic enthusiasts.

Bahraini Postal History: Explore the complete evolution of Bahraini postal stamps from the British era to present day through vertical file drawers that display the comprehensive catalog beautifully. Comprehensive photographs document the inception of postal services in Bahrain.

Postal Artifacts: View vintage postal devices and implements including letter and package scales, post machines, franking machines, vintage cancellations, and a small model ship that was used to transport mail to Bahrain via India.

Historic Photographs: An extensive archive of old photographs dating back to 1884 shows postal workers and the development of the postal service throughout its various eras.

Arena Café: The museum features a café on the top floor with a lovely terrace offering air conditioning and excellent views of Bab Al Bahrain and the National Bank of Bahrain building—perfect for photos and refreshments.

Philatelic Bureau: Visitors can purchase new and collectible stamps at the counter.

Opening Times

• Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Saturday to Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM (some sources)
• Closed on Fridays
• Entry Fee: Free admission

The museum is conveniently located within 100 meters of the actual post office and across from the Bab Al Bahrain landmark.

Find out more: https://www.culture.gov.bh/en/authority/cultural_sites/PostOffice/

Plan Your Cultural Trip

These three exceptional museums in Manama offer diverse perspectives on Bahraini culture, history, and heritage. The Bahrain National Museum Manama provides the most comprehensive overview of the nation's 6,000-year history, Beit Al Quran offers spiritual and artistic insights through Islamic manuscripts and calligraphy, while the Bahrain Post Museum presents a charming glimpse into the evolution of communication in the Kingdom.

Each museum is easily accessible from Wyndham Garden Manama, and together they provide an enriching cultural experience that will deepen your appreciation for this fascinating island nation.

Whether you spend a few hours or an entire day exploring these treasures, you'll leave with a greater understanding of Bahrain's remarkable journey through time.