Bait Al Zubair Museum

The Basics

As one of Muscat’s top draws, the Bait Al Zubair is included on almost all Muscat tours. Visit on a shared-group tour that also incorporates landmarks such as the Opera House and Muttrah Souk. Or, choose a private tour for a personalized experience, perhaps with the option to customize your itinerary. Other options include tours that combine Muscat sightseeing and a museum visit with a complementary activity such as a restaurant lunch or dolphin-watching cruise.

For maximum flexibility, visit the Bait Al Zubair via a hop-on hop-off bus—some stop at the Al Alam Palace, just a short stroll away. The museum also features on the Muscat portions of most multi-day tours, which start by introducing you to the capital before taking in Oman interior attractions such as Nizwa and the Wahiba Sands. It may also be possible to visit the museum on a Muscat day trip from Dubai.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Allow about an hour to visit.
• The ground floors and gardens are largely wheelchair- and stroller-accessible.
• Rest rooms, a gift shop, and a café are available.
• Most exhibits are captioned in English and Arabic.

How to Get There

The Bait Al Zubair Museum lies in Old Muscat, just past the Muscat Gate Museum if you’re traveling from the modern city. Public buses from Ruwi, Muscat’s commercial center, pull up at the Hillat AlMadabaghah stop, about five minutes’ walk away. A free parking lot is located close by, while nearby street parking is also available.

When to Get There

The museum is open Saturday-Thursday although it’s best to check opening times during public holidays and Ramadan. While it’s usually uncrowded, tour groups from visiting cruise ships tend to arrive around midday on some weekdays. To explore when the museum is quiet, visit near the opening or closing times.

Three Museums of Treasures and Traditions

Visitors should explore all three houses, starting with the main Bait Al Bagh. Wander its galleries to admire bejeweled Omani khanjar daggers, stamps, clothing, and utensils before strolling the garden to see a mini-Omani village and replica falaj—ancient Arabian irrigation channels. The nearby Bait Dalaleel features dioramas showcasing traditional Omani house interiors, while the Bait Al Oud houses early Arabian maps and photos.