The National Museum, Oman

The National Museum of Oman stands at the heart of Old Muscat as a world-class cultural institution, designed to celebrate and preserve Oman’s rich heritage from prehistoric civilisation to the modern day. In collaboration with Jasper Jacob Associates, Arts Architecture International was commissioned in 2007 to design this landmark 13,700m² museum for the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, Oman. The architectural approach carefully blends contemporary museum design with traditional Omani architectural language. Materials such as local limestone flooring, hardwood ceilings with carved detailing, polished plaster walls inspired by traditional saroj stucco, and perforated mashrabiyah screens in cast aluminium create a strong connection between the building and Oman’s cultural identity. At the centre of the museum is a dramatic double-height reception hall leading into a central orientation space known as The Land and the People, inspired by the form of a traditional Omani courtyard surrounded by riwaqs. The galleries are arranged to create intuitive visitor circulation, with carefully planned sightlines and enfilades that frame key artefacts and enhance spatial orientation throughout the museum journey. The museum includes permanent galleries dedicated to maritime heritage, architecture, agriculture, irrigation systems, arms and armour, currency, and intangible heritage such as music, dance, cuisine, and storytelling. Supporting facilities include temporary exhibition galleries, a 50-seat AV theatre, an 80-seat lecture theatre, a learning centre with dedicated educational spaces, collection storage facilities, conservation studios, and hospitality areas. A sculptural helical staircase featuring a chronological timeline display surrounds a panoramic lift, reinforcing the museum’s storytelling approach while creating a striking focal point within the building. Client: Ministry of Heritage and Culture, Oman Project Value: Approx. £40m (Building & Exhibition) Project Status: Completed in 2016