Nizwa Museum in Al Aqar neighborhood chronicles Oman’s heritage and civilization through nearly 2,000 exhibits on display.
At the entrance to the museum, a visitor's attention is drawn to the ancient doors of Haret Al Aqur. One of the doors is 2 meters, 70 cm high, and 2 meters wide. It is more than 500 years old.
Inside the museum, one can find inscriptions and drawings that were engraved on doors and windows. These more than 100-year-old inscriptions vary from floral to geometric.
The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday, the museum is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Entry fee is RO1 for Omanis and RO 2 for non-Omanis. Admission is free for children below 12 years. #Oman #Nizwa pic.twitter.com/xWKJT3XjsL
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The museum tells about life in ancient Oman, traditional handicrafts, and the tools used in agriculture, hunting, handicrafts, and industry. The first floor of the museum includes four galleries. In the Manuscripts Gallery, the oldest manuscript dates back to 426 years. The Weapons Gallery, which has the oldest weapon in it, dates back to 500 years. The Man Gallery, which contains the largest and rarest millstone in the Sultanate of Oman, and the Civilizational Communication Gallery contain collectibles dating back more than 500 years.
The second floor also contains four galleries. Copper Gallery, which has the most famous Nizwa copper coffee jug. The Handicrafts Gallery includes more than 300 traditional craft tools. Pottery Gallery, which contains one of the rarest and most diverse pieces of pottery. The Women's Gallery includes a rare spinning wheel.
The museum also has in its treasury a lot of heritage and archaeological pieces that will be displayed shortly in the coming months, allowing visitors the opportunity to enjoy the cultural diversity.
Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Said Ambusaidi, owner of the museum, said: “The museum aims to improve the heritage tourism in Oman in general and Nizwa in particular, which is a major tourist destination in Oman. It aims to highlight the historical and cultural role of Nizwa. It also aims to serve as an integrated historical reference for those who wish to explore the depth of Oman's history and learn about the artifacts. The museum also conveys a message to the world about Omani heritage.
It strives to become a permanent headquarters and link the past and the present. It allows students to conduct research.”
The most important feature of the museum, according to Ambusaidi, is identification cards placed in front of the collections to explain and understand what is on display. This will help the visitor to identify exhibits without guides. “I have more collectibles than what is displayed in the museum. I have more than 5,000 items, and I am still searching for other pieces.
So far, approximately 5,000 visitors have visited the museum, most of whom are Omanis. I am very proud of people's feedback on the museum. I hope that there will be support from the government for the museum."
The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Friday, the museum is open from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Entry fee is RO1 for Omanis and RO2 for non-Omanis. Admission is free for children below 12 years.
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