Muscat: The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MHT) has started the first phase of the restoration and maintenance work of the Omani-French Museum building as per the best international practices that are followed while restoring historical buildings.
The Ministry in a statement said laboratory examinations of the building were conducted to determine its load capacity and structural condition.
Accordingly, the work on the project started in line with the nature of the building to ensure its sustainability.
The ministry is also working to ensure the reuse of traditional and approved construction and restoration materials and methods in ancient buildings, which will help preserve the original structure.
This project comes as part of the ministry's efforts to develop and rehabilitate existing museums as per Vision 2040 and its strategic objectives.
The museum, which was opened to visitors in 1992, is located in the Wilayat of Muttrah, Muscat Governorate.
It is located in an ancient house, which is about 170 years old.
It consists of 8 halls and a collection of documents and collectibles that chronicle Omani-French relations dating back to the 18th century.
With galleries detailing relations between the two countries, this museum provides an interesting snapshot of mostly 19th-century colonial life in Muscat. Of particular interest are a series of old photographs and maps documenting the capital in the last century.
In addition to the Hall of Maritime Navigation, the museum rooms include models of Omani and French ships, a traditional costume hall, and many other artifacts and pictures that reflect the cultural connection between the two countries.
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