On Manama’s waterfront, Bahrain National Museum brings around 6,000 years of the country’s history together in galleries on archaeology, religion and daily life. Its East Corniche setting also puts Bahrain National Theatre next door. Plan around the museum’s Tuesday closure and check current admission details before visiting.
- Location: Sheikh Hamad Causeway–East Corniche area, Manama
- Usual opening pattern: daily except Tuesday
- Admission: 1 Bahraini dinar for tourists and residents; 500 fils for citizens
What does Bahrain National Museum cover?
Bahrain National Museum covers approximately 6,000 years of the country’s history. Officially inaugurated on 15 December 1988 by Amir Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, it occupies two connected buildings with approximately 20,000 square metres of floor space.
The museum was conceived and designed by Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen. Its white travertine marble façade gives the complex a distinct presence on the waterfront. The main building also includes an art gallery, lecture hall, gift shop and café, alongside its exhibition areas.
Which collections and galleries should you plan around?
The permanent exhibition is organised into halls that trace archaeological periods as well as traditions and cultural life. You can use the gallery themes to shape your visit, starting with early history before moving through the later periods and social collections.
- Archaeology and history: halls on Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam.
- Culture and daily life: Customs and Traditions, and Traditional Trades and Crafts.
- Written records: Documents and Manuscripts.
The main building also has temporary exhibition areas, but the permanent halls provide the broad historical framework. If you’re planning a wider day in the capital, the one-day Manama itinerary sets the museum in a city route.
What are the opening hours, tickets and visitor rules?
Check the official site before you go, since hours and admission details can change.
Opening hours
- Monday and Wednesday to Sunday: 9:00–20:00
- Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Bahrain’s government service directory gives admission as 1 Bahraini dinar for tourists and residents, and 500 fils for citizens. Visitors determine the number of tickets, pay the fees and collect them; the process time is one working day. The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities gives 00973 1729 8718 as the museum’s contact number.
What is the museum’s waterfront setting like?
The museum stands on an artificial peninsula overlooking the island of Muharraq, in the Sheikh Hamad Causeway–East Corniche area. Bahrain National Theatre is adjacent, giving you a nearby architectural landmark to include in a look around the area. The Al Fateh Grand Mosque visitor guide covers another Manama landmark.
The Pearling Path visitor information page identifies the museum’s car parking area as a departure point for boat trips to Qal’at Bu Mahir. Trips leave every 45 minutes, operate daily except Tuesdays, and the last departure is at sunset.
How do you get to Bahrain National Museum?
From Royal Phoenicia Hotel, Bahrain National Museum is about an 18-minute drive. You can pair your visit with nearby Bahrain National Theatre, which is adjacent to the museum.
The museum’s car park is also the departure point for the boat trips, which do not operate on Tuesdays.
FAQs
How much time should you allow for Bahrain National Museum?
The galleries cover a long span of history, and the museum has both permanent and temporary exhibition areas. Your visit can focus on the permanent halls or include the temporary spaces as well.
Is Bahrain National Museum open on Tuesdays?
Open Wednesday to Monday; closed Tuesday. No.
Can you take a boat trip to Qal’at Bu Mahir from the museum?
Yes. Boats depart from the museum’s car parking area every 45 minutes, with the final trip leaving at sunset.