Historical Background
For many centuries the island of Bahrain have acted as a living museum in which ancient remains are naturally preserved. Over a hundred thousand grave mounds have patterned the island's surface, for around four thousand years, whilst the remains of ancient temples were protected, and until recently hidden, beneath drifts of desert sand. The antiquity and significance of Bahrain's rich archaeological heritage only became apparent in recent times, however, with the evident of archaeological studies inevitably leading to the need for a museum to house collection of important artifacts.
Bahrainis were not only interested in preserving evidence of their ancient past. By the time that serious discussions were opened for the establishment of a national museum the country was in the midst of an ambitious program of economic development and special change. A way of life, which has sustained its people for over a thousand years, had all but disappeared. No longer were Bahrain's harbours full of the magnificent and stately pearling dhows and no longer were its people's lives dictated by the vicissitudes of weather and the fluctuating market for natural pearls. Even fishing had changed with the introduction of inboard engines in wooden vessels and of outboard driven fiberglass boats.
Whilst all these changes were rightly seen as improvements in living standards, they also brought fundamentals alterations to everyday life which led to a sense of lost tradition and a nostalgic recollection of the recent past. Archaeologists and scholars were anxious to see the establishment of a museum in which their finds could be preserved, studied and displayed; other were keen that the efforts should be made to heritage. it was the merging of these two objectives which provided the stimulus for the development of Bahrain's National Museum.
The First public display of archaeological artifacts in Bahrain was established with the cooperation of the Danish Archaeological Expedition in a temporary exhibition at Al-Hidaya School, Muharraq, in 1957. There had been such excitement among the archaeologist concerning their discoveries that they naturally wished to share their elation with their Bahraini hosts. The exhibition, which only lasted for a few days, was a considerable success and stimulated a lasting interest in archaeology among many Bahrainis.
The temporary exhibition planted the seeds of an idea which developed steadily over the following years. The next major step towards the establishment of a national museum was made in 1967 with the signing of a cultural agreement between UNESCO and the Government of Bahrain. By this stage a surge in construction and development on Bahrain was leading to numerous accidental excavations of archaeological sites. It seemed that wherever one dug on Bahrain, there was a strong possibility that one would discover evidence of the island's ancient past! A heightened awareness of archaeology was now joined by a growing concern that the island's impressive development should not lead to the loss of its rich heritage.
UNESCO's advisor to the government, Dr A. Ghosh, arrived in Bahrain in March 1968 and spent a month surveying the country's rich archaeological and ethnographic heritage. Among his recommendations was opening of negotiations with the Danish Archaeological Expedition for the return to Bahrain of the country's share of finds made on the islands. The UNESCO report, entitled Protection of Cultural Property and Development of a Museum in Bahrain, issued in September 1968, highlighted the need for a national archaeological organization and strongly supported the Bahrain Government's proposal for a National Museum.
Discussions eventually led to a request that the Arthus Museum Board should second Geoffery Bibby, who had worked for twelve years as Field Director for the Danish Archaeological Expedition, to provide was laid out, with the design guidance of Michael Rice, on the ground floor of the western section of what was then known as Government House. After a great deal of effort, Bahrain's first Museum was opened on 4th March 1970 by H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the Head of the State Council at that time. The opening was timed to correspond with the Third International Conference of Asian Archaeology, which Bahrain was hosting, and the event helped to focus international attention on Bahrain's rich archaeological heritage.
The Antiquities Exhibition was the modern founding of Bahrain's National Museum, and of the Directorate of Tourism and Archaeology. Since then archaeological research on Bahrain has been closely controlled and guided by the Department of Antiquities which initially came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and has more recently come under the Ministry of Information. The Museum and its administrative staff participated in many archeological investigations on Bahrain and their work added new information to the emerging picture of Bahrain's ancient past.
By 1973 the Museum collection had accumulated to such an extent that new buildings were needed. It was for this reason that the museum was moved to Muharraq, where it occupied a series of buildings which had been previously used as an British Army office's mess. Despite its modest and temporary headquarters, the museum and its staff continued to expand, and a steady stream of visitors were able to visit five main galleries portraying Bahrain's geology, ancient history and traditions. Regular archaeological work ensured that the museum collection continued to grow. In addition to ongoing excavation work, efforts were made to preserve important buildings such as the Al Khamis Mosque, Seyadi House, Shaikh Isa House, Arad Fort and the Bahrain Fort, Conservation of excavated ancient remains like that the Barbar temple also took place.
In June 1972 UNESCO sent an expert in museum architecture to prepare a plan for the Bahrain National Museum project. Enthused by the potential for a major museum in Bahrain, the consultant recommended that a cultural center, museum and library should be established. Following careful consideration of various site options, it was eventually decided to allocate a section of reclaimed land to the project. In the meantime the temporary museum at Muharraq developed its exhibits and played an important educational role.
UNESCO stimulated awareness of Bahrain's cultural heritage and in 1974 it sent an expert to advise on restoration of historic buildings. The consultant recommended restoration work should take place at Al-Khamis Mosque; Bahrain Fort; Arad Fort, Seyadi House and Shaikh Isa Al-Kabeer House together with the As Sakhir palaces and buildings. Subsequently work programs were established to carry out a great deal of this work, programs which are still in operation today. In May 1982 a feasibility study and detailed design of the Bahrain National Museum was developed by Cowiconsult in collaboration with architects Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen of Denmark. The eventual culmination of the various efforts which had been made over the years to preserve Bahrain's archaeological, historic and cultural heritage was the opening of the Bahrain National Museum on 15th December 1988. The Museum complex is composed of two attached buildings with approximately 20,000 square meters of floor space. The main building contains nine exhibition halls, classroom theatre, gift shop and cafeteria. The administrative offices, laboratories, exhibition construction, and collection storage areas are located in the Directorate Building.
Whilst much of the earlier research was carried out by the Danish Archaeological team, others have also been active. The Arab Archaeological Expedition was responsible for excavation of the impressive burial site at Sar. At the time of writing a French Archaeological Mission is continuing in its excavations at Qal'at al-Bahrain whilst the London Bahrain Archaeological Expedition is concentrating its effort on the Sar Settlement. Each season, further excavation work takes place and our understanding of Bahrain's ancient past is extended.
Bahrain National Museum is now managed by the Directorate of Museum and Heritage within the Ministry of Information. The building provides a focus for a wide range of activities from archeological work, through preservation and restoration of historic buildings, to fostering of Bahrain's cultural heritage and promotion of the modern arts. In addition to the vital role of the collection, restoration and preservation of remnants from Bahrain's past, the Museum has an important function within the national educational program.
H.H. The Amir of Bahrain, Donated this 1932 Buick to the Bahrain National Museum.
The Jalboot, Samha, was presented by Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince on the occasion of the opening of the Bahrain National Museum in December 1988. It was built in Bahrain in 1924 and used by his grandfather, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, who was the ruler of Bahrain from 1932 to 1942.
The museum gift shop sells Bahrain handicrafts such as baskets, pottery and cloth as well as books, postcards and souvenirs.
The cafeteria is open during museum hours and serves snacks and light lunch.
Historical Background
For many centuries the island of Bahrain have acted as a living museum in which ancient remains are naturally preserved. Over a hundred thousand grave mounds have patterned the island's surface, for around four thousand years, whilst the remains of ancient temples were protected, and until recently hidden, beneath drifts of desert sand. The antiquity and significance of Bahrain's rich archaeological heritage only became apparent in recent times, however, with the evident of archaeological studies inevitably leading to the need for a museum to house collection of important artifacts.
Bahrainis were not only interested in preserving evidence of their ancient past. By the time that serious discussions were opened for the establishment of a national museum the country was in the midst of an ambitious program of economic development and special change. A way of life, which has sustained its people for over a thousand years, had all but disappeared. No longer were Bahrain's harbours full of the magnificent and stately pearling dhows and no longer were its people's lives dictated by the vicissitudes of weather and the fluctuating market for natural pearls. Even fishing had changed with the introduction of inboard engines in wooden vessels and of outboard driven fiberglass boats.
Whilst all these changes were rightly seen as improvements in living standards, they also brought fundamentals alterations to everyday life which led to a sense of lost tradition and a nostalgic recollection of the recent past. Archaeologists and scholars were anxious to see the establishment of a museum in which their finds could be preserved, studied and displayed; other were keen that the efforts should be made to heritage. it was the merging of these two objectives which provided the stimulus for the development of Bahrain's National Museum.
The First public display of archaeological artifacts in Bahrain was established with the cooperation of the Danish Archaeological Expedition in a temporary exhibition at Al-Hidaya School, Muharraq, in 1957. There had been such excitement among the archaeologist concerning their discoveries that they naturally wished to share their elation with their Bahraini hosts. The exhibition, which only lasted for a few days, was a considerable success and stimulated a lasting interest in archaeology among many Bahrainis.
The temporary exhibition planted the seeds of an idea which developed steadily over the following years. The next major step towards the establishment of a national museum was made in 1967 with the signing of a cultural agreement between UNESCO and the Government of Bahrain. By this stage a surge in construction and development on Bahrain was leading to numerous accidental excavations of archaeological sites. It seemed that wherever one dug on Bahrain, there was a strong possibility that one would discover evidence of the island's ancient past! A heightened awareness of archaeology was now joined by a growing concern that the island's impressive development should not lead to the loss of its rich heritage.
UNESCO's advisor to the government, Dr A. Ghosh, arrived in Bahrain in March 1968 and spent a month surveying the country's rich archaeological and ethnographic heritage. Among his recommendations was opening of negotiations with the Danish Archaeological Expedition for the return to Bahrain of the country's share of finds made on the islands. The UNESCO report, entitled Protection of Cultural Property and Development of a Museum in Bahrain, issued in September 1968, highlighted the need for a national archaeological organization and strongly supported the Bahrain Government's proposal for a National Museum.
Discussions eventually led to a request that the Arthus Museum Board should second Geoffery Bibby, who had worked for twelve years as Field Director for the Danish Archaeological Expedition, to provide was laid out, with the design guidance of Michael Rice, on the ground floor of the western section of what was then known as Government House. After a great deal of effort, Bahrain's first Museum was opened on 4th March 1970 by H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, the Head of the State Council at that time. The opening was timed to correspond with the Third International Conference of Asian Archaeology, which Bahrain was hosting, and the event helped to focus international attention on Bahrain's rich archaeological heritage.
The Antiquities Exhibition was the modern founding of Bahrain's National Museum, and of the Directorate of Tourism and Archaeology. Since then archaeological research on Bahrain has been closely controlled and guided by the Department of Antiquities which initially came under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and has more recently come under the Ministry of Information. The Museum and its administrative staff participated in many archeological investigations on Bahrain and their work added new information to the emerging picture of Bahrain's ancient past.
By 1973 the Museum collection had accumulated to such an extent that new buildings were needed. It was for this reason that the museum was moved to Muharraq, where it occupied a series of buildings which had been previously used as an British Army office's mess. Despite its modest and temporary headquarters, the museum and its staff continued to expand, and a steady stream of visitors were able to visit five main galleries portraying Bahrain's geology, ancient history and traditions. Regular archaeological work ensured that the museum collection continued to grow. In addition to ongoing excavation work, efforts were made to preserve important buildings such as the Al Khamis Mosque, Seyadi House, Shaikh Isa House, Arad Fort and the Bahrain Fort, Conservation of excavated ancient remains like that the Barbar temple also took place.
In June 1972 UNESCO sent an expert in museum architecture to prepare a plan for the Bahrain National Museum project. Enthused by the potential for a major museum in Bahrain, the consultant recommended that a cultural center, museum and library should be established. Following careful consideration of various site options, it was eventually decided to allocate a section of reclaimed land to the project. In the meantime the temporary museum at Muharraq developed its exhibits and played an important educational role.
UNESCO stimulated awareness of Bahrain's cultural heritage and in 1974 it sent an expert to advise on restoration of historic buildings. The consultant recommended restoration work should take place at Al-Khamis Mosque; Bahrain Fort; Arad Fort, Seyadi House and Shaikh Isa Al-Kabeer House together with the As Sakhir palaces and buildings. Subsequently work programs were established to carry out a great deal of this work, programs which are still in operation today. In May 1982 a feasibility study and detailed design of the Bahrain National Museum was developed by Cowiconsult in collaboration with architects Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen of Denmark. The eventual culmination of the various efforts which had been made over the years to preserve Bahrain's archaeological, historic and cultural heritage was the opening of the Bahrain National Museum on 15th December 1988. The Museum complex is composed of two attached buildings with approximately 20,000 square meters of floor space. The main building contains nine exhibition halls, classroom theatre, gift shop and cafeteria. The administrative offices, laboratories, exhibition construction, and collection storage areas are located in the Directorate Building.
Whilst much of the earlier research was carried out by the Danish Archaeological team, others have also been active. The Arab Archaeological Expedition was responsible for excavation of the impressive burial site at Sar. At the time of writing a French Archaeological Mission is continuing in its excavations at Qal'at al-Bahrain whilst the London Bahrain Archaeological Expedition is concentrating its effort on the Sar Settlement. Each season, further excavation work takes place and our understanding of Bahrain's ancient past is extended.
Bahrain National Museum is now managed by the Directorate of Museum and Heritage within the Ministry of Information. The building provides a focus for a wide range of activities from archeological work, through preservation and restoration of historic buildings, to fostering of Bahrain's cultural heritage and promotion of the modern arts. In addition to the vital role of the collection, restoration and preservation of remnants from Bahrain's past, the Museum has an important function within the national educational program.
H.H. The Amir of Bahrain, Donated this 1932 Buick to the Bahrain National Museum.
The Jalboot, Samha, was presented by Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, the Crown Prince on the occasion of the opening of the Bahrain National Museum in December 1988. It was built in Bahrain in 1924 and used by his grandfather, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, who was the ruler of Bahrain from 1932 to 1942.
The museum gift shop sells Bahrain handicrafts such as baskets, pottery and cloth as well as books, postcards and souvenirs.
The cafeteria is open during museum hours and serves snacks and light lunch.
