Private museums in Oman

In recent years, several interesting museums have been created in the interior of the country on the private initiative of families in still intact or renovated old mud houses. Here you not only get an insight into the interiors of the traditional buildings, but also into everyday objects of life before 1970. Family members usually also show visitors how traditional Omani bread is baked, how cosmetics and healing pastes were made and much more.

Bait Al Ghasham Museum - Nakhl

The Bait Al Ghasham Museumis locatedin the small village of Afi, about 5 km north-west of Nakhl, not far from the 13th road. The building is both a residence and a fortress. The beautiful rooms are stylishly and tastefully furnished, reflecting the high social status of the former owner. There is an inner courtyard and a well-stocked bookshop, as the family also owns a publishing house. A guide leads visitors through the stylishly furnished rooms. Admission is 3 rials. Open Saturday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Bait Al Safa - Al Hamra

In Al Hamra there is the Bait Al Safah, where you will be shown in an old mud house how the everyday objects that you see in the museums and fortresses are used. There are usually several women present who demonstrate how bread is baked, coffee is ground and cords are woven. Those who enjoy it can also try on traditional clothing and drink an Omani coffee in the cosy lounge. There are usually locals here who are always up for a chat. The walk through the half-ruined mud neighbourhood alone is worth a visit.

Bait Al Qasra, also known as Bait Al Gharbi - Rostaq

Also worth seeing is the Bait Al Qasra, also known as Bait Al Gharbi, belonging to the Al Lamki family in Rostaq. There are signposts opposite the fortress in Rostaq, and the museum can be reached after a 5-minute walk through the atmospheric alleys of the old oasis, lined with mud houses. Women from the family serve visitors coffee, demonstrate handicrafts and take time for a nice chat, accompanied by Omani coffee in an authentic atmosphere. It is nice to see how at least some of the old mud houses can be preserved in this way.

Bait Al Darwaza - Ibra

Bait Al Darwaza is located in Ibra, in the Minsafah Sufalah district. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored building in the old mud-brick quarter and gives an idea of what a breathtakingly beautiful place Ibra must once have been. Merchant families who traded in East Africa built richly decorated, palatial mud houses with several storeys. Call in advance: Tel + 968-92044383