The Bayt Al Zubair Museum is a privately owned and finded museum run by the Zubair family. To showcase Oman’s vast cultural and socioeconomic heritage, this museum was opened in 1998 in the former residence of Sheikh Al Zubair. They have a collection of ancient Omani artifacts that is widely acclaimed as the best in a private collection.

In 1998 His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said gifted the museum with two ancient cannon, which are now one of the prime exhibits in this beautifully designed and maintained museum. The museum features weapons and tools of the ancient Omani, as well as attire, a huge collection of Khanjars (Omani daggers) traditional weapons and household artifacts. The ancient tradition of passing down artisan skills from father to son and mother to daughter is highlighted in this museum, with a collection of hand-woven textiles, baskets and other artifacts made from clay, leather and metal.

The museum is divided into three separate buildings. The Bayt-Al-Bagh (House of gardens) is the main museum building and showcases traditional Omani Architecture. It includes exhibits pertaining to the Al-Busaidi dynasty, including portraits of the current monarch and his ancestors. The garden features a beautiful barasti (Palm frond hut) as well as a Falaj system (ancient water distribution system) a souq area and a boat display. The Bait Dallaleel is adjacent to the main building, and allows visitors to step back in time and experience Omani life more than a hundred years ago. It also has one of the regions only domestic date stores. The third building is the Bait-Al-Oud or “Grand House” which was added in 2008 to celebrate the museums 10th anniversary. It includes ancient maps of the Arabian Peninsula region as well as historic photographs of Oman from years gone by. It also houses a collection of  camera’s from older times. It is built to reflect the house of Sheikh Ali Bin Juma, father of Sheikh Al Zubair Bin Ali, which was located in the old Masqat region but was demolished to provide vehicle access to the palace.

• Because of its location in the older part of the city or “Masqat”, the streets are too narrow to allow for the intra-city buses to take you there.
• The museum has separate timings and entry fees on Public holidays and during the Holy month of Ramadan.
• The gift shop in the museum offers a range of handicraft, postcards, books, jewellery, perfumes etc. each uniquely tied up the history of Oman.

• RO 1 : Foreigners, 500 Baisas : Omanis, admission to children below 10 years old is free.

• Taxi: An “engaged” taxi ( a taxi that goes only to the passenger’s destination at a mutually agreed upon rate) can be hailed from anywhere. Simply saying “Muttrah” will suffice.
• Rent-a-car: Having your own vehicle is the easiest way to get around Muscat  (Check if your driving license from your country is legal).

• Palm restaurant
• Punjabi Spice
• Muttrah Hotel

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