Bait Al Baranda

Converted from a 1930s house, this museum details the history of Oman and the Muscat region. Covering topics from the geology of the country and plate tectonics to Oman’s military and political history, a visit to Bait Al Baranda (translates to ‘villa with a verandah’) is a great way to get an overview of Omani culture and tradition.

Multimedia exhibits at the Bait Al Baranda museum include interactive screens and videos as well as a photo history and a variety of art and posters on display. There are models of and artifacts from ancient Oman. Tracing history back to prehistoric Oman, the exhibits tells of the country’s early Islamic period, Portuguese occupation and current dynasty. A presentation of bones found 10,000 years ago in the Al-Khoud area is particularly noteworthy. Contemporary art exhibitions are on display seasonally.