Kuwait National Museum
متحف الكويت الوطني
A museum showing Kuwait's history from ancient times to the oil age, with artefacts from Failaka Island, a reconstructed traditional neighbourhood, and a planetarium. A large single-masted dhow is displayed beside it.
The National Museum opened in 1983. During the Iraqi invasion of 1990, it was severely looted and set on fire, and some of its collection was later returned. The current galleries present Bronze Age and Hellenistic archaeological finds from Failaka Island, Kuwait's pearl-diving and seafaring traditions, and a reconstruction of old streets and houses. There is also a planetarium. In the courtyard outside stands a traditional large single-masted dhow. Admission is inexpensive, and the displays are being gradually updated. It is next to Sadu House.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–20:30 (open Friday afternoons; check on site)
Nearby sights
- Sadu House
- Souq Al-Mubarakiya
- Seif Palace
- Liberation Tower
- Grand Mosque of Kuwait
- Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Centre
- Souq Sharq & Fish Market
- Al Shaheed Park