Major Landmarks in Kuwait
National Museum
The best place to learn about a new country is to visit its Museum. Located on the Arabian Gulf Street between the Seif Palace and National Assembly, the Kuwait National Museum is a true representation of the Kuwaiti heritage. Planned by Michel Ecochard, the plans of this architectural project were ready by 1960, but construction began only in 1981. Finally the planetarium was unveiled on 16th February 1986. There are a total of four blocks in the museum. While three blocks displays permanent exhibits, one block houses all administrative wings, offices and an auditorium.
The Museum was originally the residence of Sheikh Ahmed Al JAber Al Sabah. But, with archaeological discoveries at Failaka, a space was required to place these vital finds. The government had set up a department of Antiquity and Museums, and the department bought the former home of Al Badr family in Kuwait City, and turned it into the national museum.
The museum comprises of four buildings, in a rectangular plan, set around a central garden, linked to each other through bridged galleries. The concrete roof of the building has an aluminum frame, and covers the entire building and the garden.
The Kuwait National Museum displays the wonderful art collection by the Al-Sabah dynasty. The display reflects the rich trading history of Kuwait, various artifacts, and remnants of ancient pear diving dhows.
In fact, there are two types of museums. While the first displays artifacts found on Failika Island during an archaeological dig, wooden doors of the past, terracotta and engraved tools, group of blades and cutters from flint stone and Neolithic age, animal fossil which is 16million old, silver statues, bronze coins from bronze period and Hellenistic period.
The other museum resembles a small village during the 40’s and 50’s. Here, on the display are statues depicting the old ways of Kuwaits, a typical Kuwaiti house prior to invasion of modern technology, old photos dating back to 1942, and on the whole, Kuwait would be represented as a simple trading hub that it once was.
But, the museum was stripped of several of these artifacts during the war. But, it has been renovated and is still open to public for display. Therefore, for those of yu who are not very well-versed with Islamic history and culture, a visit to Kuwait National Museum will be helpful.
Contact
Kuwait National Museum
Arabian Gulf Street
Safat, Kuwait – 13015
Tel: +965 245 119
Visiting Hours
Monday to Saturday – 8.30am to 12.30am; 4.30ppm to 8.30pm
F
riday – 4.30pm to 8.30pm.
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National Museum | |
Failaka Heritage Village | |
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Tareq Rajab Museum | |
Sadu House in Kuwait |