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17 May 2020 Bahrain Culture Authority Celebrates International Museum Day, H.E: We still firmly believe in the role of museums to build bridges of communication with the world despite this global pandemic
Bahrain Culture Authority Celebrates International Museum Day, H.E: We still firmly believe in the role of museums to build bridges of communication with the world despite this global pandemic

The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities celebrates International Museum Day, coinciding on 18 May 2020, whereby every year BACA organizes a series of events to highlight the importance of this world cultural event and to focus on the crucial role of museums in enriching the cultural scene in Bahrain and building bridges of communication with the rest of the world.

Speaking for the occasion, H.E Shaikha Mai Bint Mohammad Al-Khalifa, President of Bahrain Authority for Culture & Antiquities said: “We celebrate International Museum Day to stress the importance of cultural assets in safeguarding our historical achievements”. H.E added to say: “We still firmly believe in the role of museums to build bridges of communication with the world despite this global pandemic and we do confirm their role in continuing to carry culture’s message and show the whole world our universal cultural assets even virtually, given this global virus pandemic”.

H.E has also pointed out that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the Wise Leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, May God Protect Him and His Majesty’s constant support for culture, as well as, as all other public and private organizations and entities, has succeeded to enhance its museums ‘infrastructure through a network of museums, visitor centers in the vicinity of archaeological sites. In addition, many museum exhibitions are organized throughout the year to enrich the cultural experience of Bahrainis, residents and visitors, H.E asserted. BACA’s President added that Bahrain Culture Authority is keen to enhance its virtual online presence, given the social distancing measures,  investing in these cultural landmarks through a comprehensive virtual museum tours so that the public could enjoy the wonderful collections, acquaint with almost a live atmosphere, giving, thus, them an idea about the Bahrain’s universal civilizational assets”. 
H.E also asserted that Bahrain Culture Authority has already made a strategic plan to enhance its online presence, offering a very rich content that reflects the density of the outstanding cultural achievements made during the last decade,  with website platforms exhibiting Bahrain’ museums ‘collections,  and discovered artifacts that tell the story of Bahrain throughout the ages and centuries. 
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Indeed, Bahrain Culture Authority, given the current social distancing procedures and precautionary measures, has opted, as part of its strategy to enhance its online virtual presence, to offer many virtual museum tours to give the opportunity to discover the exceptional collections of museums and exhibitions in the country via its official website www.culture.gov.bh, such as Bahrain National Museum, Qala’at al Bahrain Fort Site Museum, Al-Khamis Mosque Visitor Center, Shaikh Salman Bin Ahmad Al-Fatih Fort, Qala’at al Bahrain Fort and Bab al Bahrain. In addition, a number of exhibitions hosted by Bahrain’s museums are accessible online, such as Bahrain’s Annual Fine Arts Exhibition, Dilmun Seals Exhibition, “Tylos, The Journey Beyond Life” exhibition etc.

Coinciding with the International Museum Day celebrations, Bahrain Culture Authority has invited all interested enthusiasts and the general public to participate in children ‘photography competition during Gargoon festivities, a very special genuine social event celebration during the holy month of Ramadan in Bahrain. BACA also organizes a series of other activities for the public that they require registration via BACA’s official website. 

Worth to mention that the International Council of Museums (ICOM) established ‘International Museum Day’ in 1977 to increase public awareness of the role of museums in the development of society. International Museum Day Theme 2020 is focusing mainly on the aspect of Museums for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion” in Times of Crises “