The 18th day of this month is International Museum Day; a day that encourages an appreciation for the wealth of museums the world has to offer and the artefacts preserved in such places. In recognition of this day, the Manama Capital of Arab Culture calendar has marked May as the month to focus on museums, through a host of exhibitions and fun and educational activities.

As the home of the majority of the Kingdom’s historical gems, the Bahrain National Museum is an ideal place to start your appreciative tour. In coordination with the Qal’at al-Bahrain Museum, over 400 artefacts will be on display throughout the month. The exhibition, titled ‘Tylos, the journey beyond life’, will showcase objects from the Tylos period allowing you a unique glimpse into the historic heritage and past of the Kingdom. Whilst this may not appeal to children, they can enjoy a specially-designed mobile exhibition based upon the Tylos one. The Enkiru Bus Museum will tour the island introducing kids to the rich material culture of Bahrain’s past.

The month also reflects the Ministry of Culture’s efforts to link heritage with the wider community by enhancing the important social role of museums through interactive events. You can listen to special speeches from Hermitage Museum director Professor Mikhail Piotrovsky and president of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), Dr Hans Hinz.

A 12-day workshop is another way to get your fill of museums for the month. The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with ICOM-Arab, has organised the course for young museum professionals. Designed to address different aspects of museum operations and development, the workshop will review best practices in a range of activities from inventory and documentation to marketing and education methods.

Museums in Bahrain
Aside from those holding specific events this month, Bahrain is home to a number of museums, some that are more ‘quiet’ and unknown than others. One great place of interest is the Currency Museum which leads visitors through a multi-media tour of the currency history of the country. Be sure to look out for some of the rarest coins in the Arab world. The Oil Museum was built to celebrate the 60th anniversary of oil in Bahrain, and comprises of fascination drilling equipment, old photographs, documents and the working model of an oil rig. Finally, don’t miss out the Beit Al Qur’an, a true testament to Islam in Bahrain. The museum is dedicated to the understanding and service of the Holy book itself and Islam heritage, ideal for those who want to gather an understanding of religion in Arabic.

Call 17 298-777.