THE NATIONAL MUSEUM

Opened in July 2016, the architecture and elegance of the National Museum of Oman make it one of the country's major landmarks, following in the footsteps of the great works undertaken during the reign of Sultan Qaboos - the Great Mosque, the Royal Opera House. Immaculately and proudly camped at the end of the esplanade facing the Palais al-Alam, this national jewel, imbued with a sober majesty, fits naturally into the Old Muscat district - its peaceful, flower-filled streets, its well-kept buildings, its chic atmosphere steeped in history and culture... International in design and scenography, oriental in style but refined in style (vast perspectives, skylights, stylized arabesques), this fabulous complex is the showcase for retracing and appropriating the history and traditions of the country from the appearance of the human race on the Oman peninsula to the present day.

Fourteen permanent and thematic galleries (Maritime History Gallery, Splendours of Islam, Oman and the World, etc.) make up this vast, bright and modern complex, and enable visitors to discover no fewer than 5,500 objects - ancient pottery, weapons, jewelry, coffee pots, precious crockery, chests, antiques, etc. - all presented in such harmony and harmony that the visitor's attention is drawn to them. - all so harmoniously presented that one could come here for the sheer pleasure of an aesthetic stroll. The museum's educational, cultural and humanitarian mission is nonetheless omnipresent, and finds its first echo in the twenty-minute introductory film, which is a must-see in the Gallery of Arms and Armor. Then it's up to the visitor to glean didactic information (in English, Arabic and Braille) from the various information panels, particularly those introducing each gallery and theme, drawing attention to theKey Objects of each area. For children or the curious, the What is it panels highlight the most surprising objects, those whose meaning or initial function is difficult to guess at first glance, such as the small incense burner in the shape of a boat on display in the Prehistory and Ancient History Gallery. There are also a number of interactive screens and play activities for younger visitors, who will not remain insensitive to the incredible weapons, accessories, clothing, jewelry, etc., testifying to the rich heritage and influence of the Sultanate through the ages. A special mention goes to the 1841 essay by Frenchman Edmond Pâris on the naval construction of non-European peoples, as well as to the globe presented by François Mitterrand during a diplomatic visit to Paris by Sultan Qaboos in 1989, on which artist Fernand Pouillon depicted places dear to the former president, such as Jarnac, Château-Chinon, Cluny and Solutré! By way of introduction, take the time to view the video dedicated to the museum on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/embed/thZJNoABmGw?list=PL6FBEF7B4438D3F03) to get a clear idea of the beauty of the spaces, the vastness of the rooms, the modernity of the staging combined with the majesty of the openwork windows and doors where light filters through the arabesques. A must-see!

New: the entrance ticket now gives access to Bait Greiza, the sultan's former residence located 700 meters from the museum, and superbly restored.