Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum is the largest and one of the oldest museums in Bahrain. It is constructed near the King Faisal Highway in Manama. The museum possesses a rich collection of Bahrain's ancient archaeological artifacts since 1988, and covers 6000 years of Bahrain's history. This US$30 million complex includes three halls devoted to archaeology and the ancient civilisation of Dilmun, while two other halls depict the culture and lifestyle of Bahrain's recent pre-industrial past. In 1993 a further hall was opened, the Natural History Hall, focusing on the natural environment of Bahrain.

Situated at the junction of Al-Fatih Highway and Shaikh Hamad Bridge leading to Muharraq, the Museum was officially opened in December 1988 to become one of the latest and largest museums in the Middle East. The Museum consists of several exhibition halls covering the history of Bahrain from the stone age, through ancient civilizations and up to the pre-oil period.

This hall features specimens of Bahrain's flora and fauna. Among the exhibits in the ancient history section is an actual burial mound which was transported from its site in the desert and reassembled in the museum. Another feature is a tableau which depicts a scene from the Epic of Gilgamesh (in which reference to Bahrain is made as the paradise of Dilmun). Old Quranic manuscripts, notes on astronomy and historical documents and letters are exhibited in the Documents and Manuscripts Hall.

The gift shop in Bahrain National Museum offers handicrafts such as baskets and pottery, fabrics, along with books, postcards and souvenirs. In addition to the cafeteria to open its doors during working hours where it offers light meals to visitors.