Explore 6,000 years of history at Bahrain's world-class museums — from ancient Dilmun civilization to contemporary art and Islamic heritage.
Last updated: 2026-02-24
Bahrain National Museum, Beit Al Quran, Bahrain Fort Museum
National Museum, Oil Museum, Fort Museum
La Fontaine, BACA Gallery, National Museum
Beit Al Quran, Currency Museum, Oil Museum, La Fontaine
Complete guide with hours, exhibits, and visitor information.
Al Fatih District, Manama
Bahrain's premier museum showcasing 6,000 years of history from the ancient Dilmun civilization to modern times. Stunning architecture and comprehensive exhibits.
Dilmun Hall
Ancient civilization artifacts (3000-300 BC)
Tylos Hall
Greek influence period
Islamic Era
Islamic heritage and manuscripts
Customs & Traditions
Traditional Bahraini life
Duration: 2-3 hours
Hours: Daily 8AM-8PM (Fri 3PM-8PM)
💡 Start with the ground floor chronological exhibits. Rooftop cafe has great views.
Hoora, Manama
World-renowned Islamic arts museum housing one of the largest collections of Quran manuscripts, Islamic art, and calligraphy. Architectural masterpiece.
Quran Gallery
Manuscripts spanning 1400 years
Calligraphy Hall
Arabic script art forms
Islamic Artifacts
Tiles, textiles, and metalwork
Pearl Heritage
Bahrain's pearl diving history
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Hours: Sat-Thu 9AM-12PM, 4PM-6PM
💡 Dress modestly. The mosque is beautiful for quiet reflection.
Central Bank of Bahrain, Diplomatic Area
Fascinating collection tracing the history of money in Bahrain from ancient trade to modern currency. Features rare coins and banknotes.
Pre-Currency Trade
Barter and early exchange
Indian Rupee Era
Gulf Rupee period
Bahraini Dinar
Modern currency from 1965
Duration: 45 min - 1 hour
Hours: Sun-Thu 8AM-2PM
💡 Small but interesting. Combine with walking tour of Diplomatic Area.
Sakhir, near Oil Well No. 1
Located near Bahrain's first oil well (1932), this museum tells the story of oil discovery and its transformation of Bahrain and the Gulf region.
Discovery Story
How oil was found in 1932
Industry Growth
BAPCO and development
Equipment Hall
Historic drilling machinery
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Hours: Sun-Thu 8AM-2PM
💡 See the actual first oil well outside. Great for history enthusiasts.
Qal'at al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort)
Modern museum at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qal'at al-Bahrain, showcasing artifacts from the fort's 4,000-year history.
Dilmun Era
Ancient capital city remains
Trade Routes
Bahrain as ancient hub
Portuguese Fort
16th century occupation
Duration: 1-2 hours (with fort)
Hours: Daily 8AM-8PM
💡 Visit museum first, then explore the fort. Sunset is magical.
National Museum Complex
Contemporary art space hosting rotating exhibitions by local and international artists. Check current exhibitions before visiting.
Rotating Shows
Changes every 2-3 months
Duration: 30 min - 1 hour
Hours: Daily 8AM-8PM
💡 Check website for current exhibitions. Part of National Museum complex.
Hoora, Manama
Private contemporary art gallery in a beautiful traditional house, featuring local and regional artists. Intimate exhibition spaces.
Permanent Collection
Regional contemporary works
Guest Exhibitions
Rotating shows
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Hours: Sat-Thu 10AM-6PM
💡 Beautiful building alone worth the visit. Peaceful atmosphere.
Mornings are quietest. Avoid Friday mornings (most closed) and school group times (9-11AM).
Generally allowed without flash. Some exhibits restrict photos — check signage.
Modest dress recommended, especially for Beit Al Quran. No shorts or sleeveless tops.
Exhibits have English and Arabic labels. Audio guides available at National Museum.
National Museum + Bahrain Fort make an excellent history day trip.
Many museums are free or under BD 2. Great value cultural experiences.
Discover Bahrain's historical sites and cultural attractions.
Bahrain National Museum is the must-visit museum, showcasing 6,000 years of history from Dilmun civilization to modern times. Beit Al Quran is equally impressive for Islamic heritage.
Many museums are free including Beit Al Quran, Currency Museum, Oil Museum, and La Fontaine gallery. Others charge BD 1-2 maximum.
Most museums open 8AM-8PM daily, with some closed or opening later on Fridays. Always check specific hours as they vary.
Allow 2-3 hours to properly explore the National Museum. It covers extensive history and has excellent exhibits on each era of Bahrain's past.