The Bahrain National Museum is in Manama. It opened on 15 December 1988, and it is one of the main places to learn about Bahrain's history, from ancient Dilmun to traditional life in the country.
Many visitors find the museum the best place to start. The displays give context to the sites you visit later, so Bahrain Fort, the A'ali burial mounds and the Pearling Path make more sense afterwards.
What you will see
The exhibition halls are on the ground and first floors. According to the official Bahrain culture website, the main galleries include:
- Halls of Graves
- Dilmun
- Tylos and Islam
- Customs and Traditions
- Traditional Trades and Crafts
- Documents and Manuscripts
Opening times
The official museum page does not list opening hours or an admission fee. Before you travel, check the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities website, or contact the museum directly. Our tours are planned around the museum being closed on Tuesdays, and hours can differ on public holidays.
Planning your visit
- Allow about an hour to 75 minutes for the main galleries at a steady pace.
- Start with the Dilmun gallery if you want the background before the rest of the day.
- The museum fits well into a day in Manama, alongside the souq and Bab Al Bahrain.
- Take a bottle of water, and check the day's opening hours before you set out.
How it fits into a tour
Our private 7-hour Bahrain Landmark and Culture Tour includes a stop at the Bahrain National Museum, and the museum entrance ticket is included in the tour price. The stop lasts about an hour and follows the museum's opening hours on the day. Our two-day private Bahrain tour visits the museum on Day 1 for about 75 minutes. Tell us your dates when you book and we will confirm the order of the day with you.
Book a tour
You can book these tours online and pay cash on arrival.