Oman’s National Museum to Host “Wonders of the World” Exhibition in Partnership with Belgium’s Phoebus Foundation

Muscat, The Gulf Observer: The National Museum of Oman has signed an agreement with Belgium’s Phoebus Foundation to stage a major exhibition titled “Wonders of the World: From Maps to Artistic Masterpieces”, aimed at enhancing cultural and artistic cooperation between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Jamal Hassan Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum, and Dr. Katrien Van Cauteren, Chief Executive Officer of the Phoebus Foundation, in the presence of Ferdinand Huts, Chairman of the Board of the Foundation.

Scheduled to run from 2 December 2026 to 2 March 2027, the exhibition will showcase the contributions of Flemish artists and scholars from the early modern period (16th–18th centuries). It will highlight their pursuit of understanding the world through cartography, natural studies, and meticulous visual representations that combine scientific inquiry with artistic refinement.

The exhibition will contextualize these works within the flourishing culture of trade, discovery, and craftsmanship of the time, while fostering a cultural dialogue with Oman. It will draw connections through shared themes such as maritime exploration, navigation routes, and visual culture, reflecting common interests across civilizations.

The Phoebus Foundation, one of Europe’s leading cultural institutions, is renowned for its acquisition, conservation, and management of art collections, as well as organising exhibitions, cultural programmes, and scholarly research. This collaboration aligns with the National Museum’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international cultural dialogue, highlighting points of convergence between civilisations through art and culture, and further establishing Oman as a hub for global cultural exchange.