Bahrain National Museum

What to Expect

Discover the Secrets of the Burial Mounds and the Dilmun Civilization

Any visitor to Bahrain will be intrigued by the vast numbers of burial mounds scattered across the northern and western areas, forming the largest ancient cemetery in the world, once containing around 80,000 graves before urban expansion reduced their numbers. Due to their uniqueness and archaeological value, these burial mounds were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Through its Burial Hall, the museum reveals some of the mysteries of these mounds, showcasing real burial models relocated from their original sites for closer exploration. Detailed information is provided about the history of these mounds, burial rituals, and what these graves reveal about the social and political structures of the time.

These mounds, built between approximately 2250 and 1700 BCE, represent a rich resource for research, as no written records document this period. Dilmun’s burial practices were unique, such as positioning the deceased in a fetal pose and including food or ceremonial offerings, hinting at a belief in an afterlife. The mounds’ similarities in some eras suggest an egalitarian political structure, while variations indicate a class-based society. There are simple, primitive graves likely for commoners, two-story graves for leaders and dignitaries, and large graves with luxurious offerings thought to be for royalty. Additionally, artifacts and jars found in these mounds highlight Bahrain's connections with ancient civilizations, including finds imported from Babylon (Iraq) and Magan (Oman and the UAE).

In the Dilmun Hall, visitors can see a variety of discoveries from archaeological sites across Bahrain, including Dilmun seals, pottery, and other artifacts that illustrate the rich history of the Dilmun civilization. Dilmun was first mentioned in texts from Mesopotamian civilizations as early as the fourth millennium BCE, and by the third millennium BCE, Bahrain had become the primary political center and a major port of Dilmun, strategically positioned in the Gulf as a hub of trade routes between the ancient Near East and the Indus Valley.

Bahrain as a Port for the Greek Fleet and Islamic Discoveries

In the Tylos and Islam Hall, the museum displays pottery, glassware, and jewellery from Bahrain’s Tylos period, dating back to the second century BCE. These artifacts reflect the rich cultural diversity of the time, when Bahrain connected with various parts of the Near East and served as a naval base for the Greek military fleet in the Gulf. The hall also presents discoveries from the Khamis Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Bahrain and the Gulf, featuring unique gravestones known as “sajat,” large rectangular stones inscribed with the name of the deceased and Quranic verses in elegant script. Other displays include rare coins such as the Umayyad dirham minted during the reign of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan in the year 81 AH.

Exploring Bahraini Customs and Crafts Before Oil

The museum also features life-sized models recreating traditional Bahraini customs, crafts, and trades before the discovery of oil in 1931. A model of a traditional market, complete with artisans and vendors, gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of the time. Replicas of traditional homes showcase spacious courtyards and charming heritage items, while women are displayed in traditional attire and jewellery. This section of the museum offers a wealth of knowledge beyond the displays, providing visitors with detailed insights into the lives, customs, and crafts of Bahrainis from that era. The museum also showcases rare manuscripts, ancient Qurans, and important documents from the era of the ruling Al Khalifa family.

A Leading Cultural Landmark

The Bahrain National Museum is one of Bahrain’s foremost cultural institutions, hosting a wide range of local, regional, and international events throughout the year. It annually welcomes various external exhibitions and participates in international events abroad. The museum also holds diverse archaeological, heritage, and artistic activities, including art exhibitions, displays of ancient coins, and monthly lectures and discussion sessions. Educational events for children, such as drawing, photography, traditional crafts, cuneiform writing, and storytelling, are also featured, including the popular Little Archaeologist exhibit, where children can try their hand at excavation and artefact restoration.