Art and Culture

Whether you’re looking for a live performance or an art exhibition, Bahrain has plenty to offer. Below are some of Bahrain’s main cultural attractions:

Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum showcases over 6000 years of Bahrain’s history in the Halls of Graves, Dilmun, Tylos and Islam, Customs and Traditions, Traditional Trades and Crafts, and Documents and Manuscripts.

Conceived and designed by Krohn and Hartvig Rasmussen, the 20,000 square meters building is characterized by its white travertine marble facade and is centrally located on an artificial peninsula overlooking the island of Muharraq.

Bahrain National Theatre

The Bahrain National Theater is one of the largest theaters in the Arab world, hosting global performances from some of the world’s foremost artists, such as the Orchestra of the 21st Century of Russia, legendary composer Yanni, Spanish opera superstar Placido Domingo, the Bolshoi and Mariinsky Ballets from Russia, and Il Divo. The theatre also hosts cultural activities, press conferences, and awards ceremonies.

Built on an area of about 12,000 m2 overlooking the sea, the 1,001-seat theater is located next to the Bahrain National Museum. Its unique architectural design and wood-covered interior walls draw inspiration from the tales of 1,001 Arabian Nights.

Qal’at Al-Bahrain Site Museum

The Qala’at Al-Bahrain (Bahrain Fort) Site Museum documents artefacts discovered at the adjacent Qala’at Al-Bahrain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum’s collection showcases five different historical periods which are arranged chronologically, each within its own separate gallery.

The Art Centre

The Art Centre, established in 1992, hosts events such as workshops, talks by figures in the industry, and art and photography exhibitions, and is one of the city’s finest gallery spaces. In recent years it has emerged as a leading force for creating a platform for local and international artists.

Al Khalefeya Library

Al- Khalefeyah Library was one of the first public libraries to be built in Bahrain. The building accommodates a reading area, a research center, and an internet lab as well as offices. It also provides cultural programs and activities for the public.

Post Office Museum

Bahrain’s postal services dates as far back as 1884. The original post office building in Bab Al-Bahrain today houses a permanent exhibition, designed by Ammar Basheir, which displays postage stamps, memorabilia and historic photographs that illustrate the history of postal services in Bahrain.

Al Jasra Crafts

Al-Jasra Crafts hosts a number of craftsmen and artisans who produce traditional handmade products using the same raw materials and traditional techniques that were used decades ago. Visitors learn about local handicrafts and can see how craftsmen work in their environment.

Studio 244

STUDIO 244 is a hub for culture, arts and knowledge, which offers a wide range of activities and programs that engage the public. Its unique location in the heart of a natural reserve overlooking Arad Bay emphasises its commitment to engage the local community and improving their access to culture and art.

Content Last Updated: 10 Jul, 2024

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