Bahrain National Museum
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Since 1988 a rich collection of Bahrain's ancient archaeological artifacts have been on display at the purpose-built Bahrain National Museum. The museum covers 6000 years of Bahrain's history.
The BD 11 million complex on Manama Bay includes three halls devoted to archaeology and the ancient civilisation of Dilmun, while two other halls depict the culture and lifestyle of Bahrain's recent pre-industrial past. In 1993 a further hall was opened, the Natural History Hall, focusing on the natural environment of Bahrain. This hall features specimens of Bahrain's flora and fauna.
Among the exhibits in the ancient history section is an actual burial mound which was transported from its site in the desert and reassembled in the museum. Another feature is a tableau which depicts a scene from the Epic of Gilgamesh (in which reference to Bahrain is made as the paradise of Dilmun). Old Quranic manuscripts, notes on astronomy and historical documents and letters are exhibited in a Documents and Manuscripts Hall.
