The Bait Al Zubair Museum is situated in the old part of Muscat and will give you a real insight into Omani heritage and culture. This post will give you all the information you need to know about it.
If you’re like me, you’d like to go beneath the ‘touristy surface’ and really see Omani culture. When I discovered the Bait Al Zubair museum, I felt like it gave me essential keys to enter into the history and traditions of the country.
You are going to learn about all the necessary information connected with the Bait Al Zubair museum from directions to the place, the entry cost, to an overview of the different parts of the museum so that your visit is successful.
Whether you are in Oman for a holiday or living in the country, you should definitely plan a visit to Bait Al Zubair. Within the different buildings, you’ll discover elements such as traditional clothes Omani men and women wear, get a glimpse of historical household furniture or, in the gardens, see the system used to climb palm trees to gather dates or a replica of a Falaj, the irrigation system that is used in Oman.
In the parking lot near Bait Al Zubair, you’ll find this map of Matrah showing the main trekking routes in the area.
I found Bait Al Zubair, tucked away in a beautiful calm district of Matrah, not far away from Al Alam, the ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman. It is located opposite Kadm Café (very practical!) and there is plenty of parking space nearby. But – as for most places in Oman – you’ll need a car to get there.
The museum is divided into several parts: The main building called Bait Al Bagh, Bait Al Oud, Bait Al Nahdah and the garden. The reception area, which is where you pay for the entrance ticket, is in Bait Al Bagh. The property used to belong to Shaikh Al Zubair who was a minister. The museum opened in 1998.
The carved wooden door entrance to Bait Al Bargh
I was curious. Where does the name ‘Al Bagh’ come from? I found it fascinating to discover that it is an Iranian word that refers to a ‘garden house.’ In this building, you’ll find maps of Oman, detailed presentations of men and women’s traditional clothes with their regional differences. You’ll also see weapons and the Omani ‘Khanjar’ – which is a dagger that is still worn on ceremonial occasions.
A model of a circular Omani fort. Forts can be found dotted throughout the country in strategic locations.
A collection of silver pots for Kohl (also spelled Kuhl) which has been a powder used for eye protection and ornamentation for centuries.
In another building named Bait Al Oud (House of Oud), you will find furniture displayed to reflect the Zubair family’s former residence. The family lived there in the 19th and 20th centuries. Unfortunately, it is not allowed to take photographs of this part.
‘The Consolation’. Painting by Maryam Al Wahibi.
The Bait Al Nahdah holds exhibitions of artists. You can order a coffee/tea and some basic Omani food at the café. Then, enjoy the art displayed.
Within the building, you will also find a representation of the rooms in a traditional Omani house.
The bed is really small!
In spite of the heat and humidity, it was very relaxing to have a walk in the garden of the museum.
A belt used to climb a palm tree to collect dates.
WELCOME to JOUSSOUR to OMAN
Hello and welcome to Joussour to Oman! I’m Christine van den Hogen, a Franco-British writer, teacher and watercolourist. I’ve been living in the Middle East for 7 years and 4 years in Oman.
I’m passionate about helping independent travellers interested in cultures create immersive journeys.
Joussour to Oman is my cultural travel blog and it’s my hope to share my first-hand experience as someone who lives here as well as insights from local people. I want to share insiders’ tips with you so you can plan your trip to Oman efficiently and truly EXPERIENCE Omani culture when you come.
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Christine is a Muscat-based writer, watercolourist and teacher. She's been living in Oman for 4 years and she's also lived in Jordan and Dubai. She shares resources and stories to help independent travellers plan creative trips and truly experience Middle Eastern cultures.
