The Omani- French museum- a veritable treasure trove of heritage and culture
Tucked away in an interesting corner of Old Muscat and situated just a stone’s throw from the Bait Al-Zubair, is the Omani French museum. And for those of you who are keen on understanding the innate mix of local culture, combined with the best of Western influence, this is definitely the place to visit. As a bonus, if you decide to take a walking tour, the surrounding area also has a mosque, as well as fantastic views of the harbor and the forts.
Exploring the relationship between France and Oman, the museum provides useful insight into the city’s past. Originally, the residence of French Consul in Muscat and known as ‘Bait Faransa,’ it was presented as a gift by the Sultan Assayed / Faisal bin Turki to the first French Consul in Muscat in 1896. Subsequently converted into a museum, it was opened on 29th January 1992 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the late French President François Mitterrand.
Ranked among the best museums in Muscat, this museum represents the highly developed relationship between both countries. It also displays in great detail, the very visible maritime relations between Oman and France, along with the art and culture of both the countries.
Among the highlights of this museum, are some priceless historical documents, pictures and samples of Omani - French ships in addition to Omani and French costumes & jewellery. In addition, the Omani-French Museum at Muscat displays a wide range of handicrafts and rich works of art.
Having simple clean lines, all that’s really representative at the exterior is the flag, that ear-marks it quite clearly, for everyone looking for it. What you must note is that the entrance is not from the front of the street, but from the side.
Tucked away in an interesting corner of Old Muscat and situated just a stone’s throw from the Bait Al-Zubair, is the Omani French museum. And for those of you who are keen on understanding the innate mix of local culture, combined with the best of Western influence, this is definitely the place to visit. As a bonus, if you decide to take a walking tour, the surrounding area also has a mosque, as well as fantastic views of the harbor and the forts.
Exploring the relationship between France and Oman, the museum provides useful insight into the city’s past. Originally, the residence of French Consul in Muscat and known as ‘Bait Faransa,’ it was presented as a gift by the Sultan Assayed / Faisal bin Turki to the first French Consul in Muscat in 1896. Subsequently converted into a museum, it was opened on 29th January 1992 by His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said and the late French President François Mitterrand.
Ranked among the best museums in Muscat, this museum represents the highly developed relationship between both countries. It also displays in great detail, the very visible maritime relations between Oman and France, along with the art and culture of both the countries.
Among the highlights of this museum, are some priceless historical documents, pictures and samples of Omani - French ships in addition to Omani and French costumes & jewellery. In addition, the Omani-French Museum at Muscat displays a wide range of handicrafts and rich works of art.
Having simple clean lines, all that’s really representative at the exterior is the flag, that ear-marks it quite clearly, for everyone looking for it. What you must note is that the entrance is not from the front of the street, but from the side.
Once you have entered, you will find yourself in a lovely corridor, and can approach the reception right-away. After payment of a nominal entrance fee, you can proceed with the tour-ideally heading straight upto the first floor, where the veritable treasure trove gradually unfolds…..
Looking up, you will love the view that you get- Most striking is the beautifully designed skylight, one which is fairly unique! Also present is a balcony, as is the norm in old Omani houses.
With it’s cool and beautiful interiors, beautiful original paintings, first day covers, models of various ships, original French paintings, rare maps, a huge globe, guns, priceless crockery, and letters written during the trade between the two countries, this museum holds enough material to keep you busy at least for the next couple of hours…..-
After the death of Sultan Said (1856), his Empire was divided in two separate Sultanates, each falling to one of his sons. By an agreement made in 1862, London and Paris promised to respect the independence of the two Sultanates of Zanzibar and Muscat. London did however turn Zanzibar into a protectorate in 1890, but, thanks to this agreement, the sovereignty of Oman and its rulers has always been strictly respected.
A remarkable implementation, as much for it’s elegant aesthetics, as well as for the symbolic power that emanates from it, Bait Fransa testifies to the long-lasting and enduring Omani French friendship.
Location: Located in Lane 9310, Qasr Al Alam Street, Old Muscat.
Timings: Saturday – Thursday from 9am – 1pm .(However, the museum remains opens from 9am – 1pm & 4 pm. 6pm)
Entrance Fees: 500 Bzs (adults), 200 Bzs (children 12 -6 years)
Feature written for and published- Oman Observer, Oct 08
Looking up, you will love the view that you get- Most striking is the beautifully designed skylight, one which is fairly unique! Also present is a balcony, as is the norm in old Omani houses.
With it’s cool and beautiful interiors, beautiful original paintings, first day covers, models of various ships, original French paintings, rare maps, a huge globe, guns, priceless crockery, and letters written during the trade between the two countries, this museum holds enough material to keep you busy at least for the next couple of hours…..-
After the death of Sultan Said (1856), his Empire was divided in two separate Sultanates, each falling to one of his sons. By an agreement made in 1862, London and Paris promised to respect the independence of the two Sultanates of Zanzibar and Muscat. London did however turn Zanzibar into a protectorate in 1890, but, thanks to this agreement, the sovereignty of Oman and its rulers has always been strictly respected.
A remarkable implementation, as much for it’s elegant aesthetics, as well as for the symbolic power that emanates from it, Bait Fransa testifies to the long-lasting and enduring Omani French friendship.
Location: Located in Lane 9310, Qasr Al Alam Street, Old Muscat.
Timings: Saturday – Thursday from 9am – 1pm .(However, the museum remains opens from 9am – 1pm & 4 pm. 6pm)
Entrance Fees: 500 Bzs (adults), 200 Bzs (children 12 -6 years)
Feature written for and published- Oman Observer, Oct 08
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