Oman Celebrates International Museum Day

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism (MoHT), joined the global community in celebrating International Museum Day on Saturday. This year’s theme, “Museums for Education and Research,” underscores the vital role museums play in promoting learning, discovery, and cultural understanding.

The MoHT emphasizes the importance of museums as dynamic educational institutions. Statistics from the ministry show that Oman is home to 11 government museums and 19 licensed museums and heritage houses. The Natural History Museum of Oman welcomed 16,957 visitors in 2023, while Fatah Al Khair received 10,790 visitors. The Land of Frankincense Museum attracted 86,079 visitors during the same period.

In conjunction with International Museum Day, the MoHT organizes numerous events, seminars, and workshops across various governorates to highlight the significance of museums. Established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM), International Museum Day serves as a global platform to promote the role of museums in cultural exchange and development.

The celebration aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on inclusive and equitable education, lifelong learning opportunities, and fostering innovation and sustainable development.

The MoHT reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the role of museums in Oman, contributing to the strategic goals of the 10th Five-Year Development Plan and “Oman Vision 2040.” Museums are seen as crucial in preserving cultural heritage, generating employment, enhancing local content, and serving as tourist destinations. Efforts are underway to develop and modernize these institutions.

Since the Renaissance era, Oman has recognized the importance of advancing museums. This recognition has led to archaeological missions uncovering significant treasures displayed in museums, aligning with Omani cultural history.

Key projects include upgrading the Museum of the Frankincense Land, developing museum exhibition halls in forts and castles, and supporting private museums facing operational challenges. These initiatives aim to enhance the presence of museums on the tourism map, safeguard artifacts, and boost the job market.

The Maritime History Museum project is a significant initiative under the Directorate General of Museums, reflecting Oman’s maritime heritage. The Sohar Fort Museum rehabilitation highlights the historical and trade significance of Sohar.

Oman boasts numerous museums, including the “Oman Across Ages Museum” and the Oman National Museum, which showcase the nation’s rich history and cultural heritage. The National Museum features over 7,000 artifacts and employs advanced technologies, including a Braille system in Arabic.

Other notable museums include the Museum of the Frankincense Land, the Fatah Al Khair, the Natural History Museum of Oman, the Omani and French Museum, and the Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum. Each institution plays a vital role in preserving and showcasing Oman’s history, culture, and heritage.

The MoHT continues to implement projects to enhance the museum system, aiming to present heritage in engaging ways, support local communities, and ensure sustainability according to best practices.