Bahrain National Museum: A Pioneer Institution
- Category
- Exhibition
- Date
- 16 December 2013 Untill 28 February 2014, 8:00am till 8:00pm
- Venue
- Bahrain National Museum
- Tickets
- Free Admission
Since the 19th century, many travelers were aware of Bahrain and its rich history, but real archaeological interest in Bahrain materialized only towards the mid 1950’s. The eminent archaeological investigations at Qalat Al-Bharain have established the historical importance of the island of Bahrain and paved the way to the establishment of a National Museum.
The first public archaeological exhibit, organised by the Danish expedition, was displayed at Al-Hidaya school in Muharraq in 1957. The display was very well-received amongst official and public audiences, and contributed to an international academic recognition of the heritage of Bahrain. It was soon followed by the signing of a cultural agreement between UNESCO and the Government of Bahrain in 1967. On the 4th of March 1970, Bahrain’s first museum was opened in Manama.
The numerous archaeological excavations around the island have resulted in a significant increase in the collections, and ultimately the museum became too small to house the finds. In 1973, the museum had to move to Muharraq. Concurrently, a UNESCO museum consultant was appointed to prepare a proposal for a National Museum. In 1982 a feasibility study and very innovative design of the Bahrain National Museum was developed by Cowiconsult in collaboration with architects Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen of Denmark. On December 15 1988, the Bahrain National Museum was officially opened by the late Amir H.H. Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa. The awe-inspiring landmark building was one of the finest museums of its kind in the world. What started as a small temporary exhibition in Muharraq has developed into landmark project and unique cultural institution.
The Bahrain National Museum: A Pioneer Institution commemoratesthe 25th anniversary of the Bahrain National Museum. The display illustrates the rich archaeological heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its pioneering cultural role in the region. The construction and development of this outstanding project is featured through a selection of rare photographs and architectural drawings.
