Step into this heritage house and art space to relive the history and legacy of Bahrain’s illustrious pearl trader.
Bin Matar House is a captivating piece of Bahrain’s history, offering a window into the island’s rich pearl trade legacy. Recently restored, this heritage house has been transformed into a vibrant cultural centre, celebrating Bahrain’s pearl merchant past while hosting a variety of art exhibitions and cultural events.
As one of the most renowned houses linked to the country’s pearl trade, it once welcomed traders from the Gulf, India and Europe. Among its most famous visitors was the French jeweller Jacques Cartier, who met the house’s owner, an illustrious pearl trader, during his visit to Bahrain in 1911, further cementing its place in history.
Bin Matar House is a captivating piece of Bahrain’s history, offering a window into the island’s rich pearl trade legacy. Recently restored, this heritage house has been transformed into a vibrant cultural centre, celebrating Bahrain’s pearl merchant past while hosting a variety of art exhibitions and cultural events. As one of the most renowned houses linked to the country’s pearl trade, it once welcomed traders from the Gulf, India and Europe. Among its most famous visitors was the French jeweller Jacques Cartier, who met the house’s owner, an illustrious pearl trader, during his visit to Bahrain in 1911, further cementing its place in history. With its stunning traditional architecture, Bin Matar House is now a lively cultural hub and a must-see stop on the Pearling Path project. This initiative, led by the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center, honours the historic buildings that were instrumental in shaping Bahrain’s pearl trade, inviting visitors to explore the stories behind the island’s pearls and the merchants who made it famous.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Bin Matar, the Famous Pearl Merchant
Born in Muharraq in 1848, Salman bin Hussein Bin Matar became one of Bahrain's leading tawawish (pearl merchants). He inherited the craft from his father, mastering the art of pearl trading, which was deeply ingrained in the region's heritage. While he also ventured into timber and shipbuilding, his success in the pearl trade, with a fleet of diving boats and strong ties to India and the Gulf, made him a prominent figure. Beyond commerce, he was a respected mediator and advisor to Bahrain’s rulers.
The Historic Bin Matar House
Built in 1905, Bin Matar House, also known as Bin Matar Building, served as a gathering place for traders and pearl merchants. Restored in 2009, it remains one of Bahrain’s most iconic heritage houses, preserving the elements of traditional Bahraini architecture with decorated walls, tall rectangular wooden windows, and archways across the central rooms. While maintaining its historic features, part of the house has been transformed into an art space hosting local, regional, and international exhibitions, as well as a permanent exhibit on Bin Matar’s life and his contributions to Bahrain’s commercial heritage.
Step into this heritage house and art space to relive the history and legacy of Bahrain’s illustrious pearl trader.
Bin Matar House is a captivating piece of Bahrain’s history, offering a window into the island’s rich pearl trade legacy. Recently restored, this heritage house has been transformed into a vibrant cultural centre, celebrating Bahrain’s pearl merchant past while hosting a variety of art exhibitions and cultural events.
As one of the most renowned houses linked to the country’s pearl trade, it once welcomed traders from the Gulf, India and Europe. Among its most famous visitors was the French jeweller Jacques Cartier, who met the house’s owner, an illustrious pearl trader, during his visit to Bahrain in 1911, further cementing its place in history.
Bin Matar House is a captivating piece of Bahrain’s history, offering a window into the island’s rich pearl trade legacy. Recently restored, this heritage house has been transformed into a vibrant cultural centre, celebrating Bahrain’s pearl merchant past while hosting a variety of art exhibitions and cultural events. As one of the most renowned houses linked to the country’s pearl trade, it once welcomed traders from the Gulf, India and Europe. Among its most famous visitors was the French jeweller Jacques Cartier, who met the house’s owner, an illustrious pearl trader, during his visit to Bahrain in 1911, further cementing its place in history. With its stunning traditional architecture, Bin Matar House is now a lively cultural hub and a must-see stop on the Pearling Path project. This initiative, led by the Shaikh Ebrahim Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Center, honours the historic buildings that were instrumental in shaping Bahrain’s pearl trade, inviting visitors to explore the stories behind the island’s pearls and the merchants who made it famous.
Photos & Videos
What to Expect
Bin Matar, the Famous Pearl Merchant
Born in Muharraq in 1848, Salman bin Hussein Bin Matar became one of Bahrain's leading tawawish (pearl merchants). He inherited the craft from his father, mastering the art of pearl trading, which was deeply ingrained in the region's heritage. While he also ventured into timber and shipbuilding, his success in the pearl trade, with a fleet of diving boats and strong ties to India and the Gulf, made him a prominent figure. Beyond commerce, he was a respected mediator and advisor to Bahrain’s rulers.
The Historic Bin Matar House
Built in 1905, Bin Matar House, also known as Bin Matar Building, served as a gathering place for traders and pearl merchants. Restored in 2009, it remains one of Bahrain’s most iconic heritage houses, preserving the elements of traditional Bahraini architecture with decorated walls, tall rectangular wooden windows, and archways across the central rooms. While maintaining its historic features, part of the house has been transformed into an art space hosting local, regional, and international exhibitions, as well as a permanent exhibit on Bin Matar’s life and his contributions to Bahrain’s commercial heritage.
Muharraq
+973 17322549
Closed Opens Tuesday at 08:00 AM
Monday 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Tuesday 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Wednesday 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Thursday 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Sunday 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
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