The Al Zubair family has declared their commitment to both the preservation and protection of the rich cultural heritage and history of Oman through the establishment and continued patronage of the Bait Al Zubair Museum. This Museum is housed in Bait Al Bagh, also known as the House of Gardens, which was built by Sheikh Al Zubair Bin Ali and is considered an aspect of the heritage of Muscat. This house was utilised as the space to host the Bait Al Zubair Museum in 1998 with the express purpose of safeguarding the heritage of the country through changing times and to ensure that its tradition and cultural practices are preserved for succeeding generations as well. The Museum is easily accessible from top hotels Muscat is known for such as Al Falaj Hotel.
In keeping with the express intention of preserving the cultural heritage of Oman, the Bait Al Zubair Museum houses a number of collections. The Art Collection for instance, is composed of maps of the Arabian Peninsula and commissioned paintings. This collection emphasise the manner in which Oman is depicted and portrayed through black and white images to coloured paintings. This Art Collection can be viewed in Bait Al Bagh, and Bait Al Oud.
Other Collections include the Sword Collection, the oldest of which can be traced back to the 17th century where a sword was carved in Lisbon, Portugal, the Stamp collection, which ranges from the beginning of the 20th century to the present, and the Fire Arms Collection which displays matchlocks, gunpowder flasks and other weapons. Other Collections such as the Khanjar Collection, the Male Attire and Female Attire Collections, the Jewellery, Coin and Medal Collections and the Household Collection can be explored at the Museum.
The Museum is open daily (except on Friday) from 9.30am – 6pm and hosts a marvellous private collection that provides an intriguing insight into the cultural heritage of Oman.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.
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