Celebrating International Museum Day

Since 1977, International Museum Day has been celebrated representing a unique moment for the international museum community. The main aim to commemorate this day is to raise awareness about the fact that museums are an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among peoples.

Organised on 18th May each year many museums participate on this day. This year’s theme is “The Future of Museums: Recover and Reimagine”. The International Council of Museums (ICOM), the main organisation of museums and museum professionals, started the International Museum Day in 1977. In Oman there are several museums that showcase Oman’s  traditions, culture, history and heritage.

The Armed Forces Museum located at Fort Al Falaj House in Muscat displays weapons, clothing, instruments, and other defence systems of the Omani armed forces throughout history. The other must visit museums in Muscat are The National Museum, Bait Al Baranda, Bait Al Zubair Museum, Children’s Museum,  Muscat Gate Museum,  Natural History Museum,  Omani-French Museum,  Currency Museum and more.

The Land of Frankincense Museum in Dhofar region is considered one of the most prominent historical museums in Oman because it includes historical and cultural features from different eras.

According to Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, “The Maritime Museum in Sur is abundant with examples of the Omani marine heritage that highlights the leading role the Omanis played in the maritime industry for a long period of time. The Sohar Fort Museum relates the history of the ancient city of Sohar and its cultural ties with many other civilisations.
“The Turtles Museum in Ras Al Hadd is an internationally renowned nesting site sanctuary for the Green Sea Turtles, Chelonia Mydas, harbouring  one of the largest nesting populations in the world.”