International Museum Day was celebrated on May 18 by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) with this year’s theme – The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities – being brought to life through a rich cultural programme that started on May 17 and runs till May 31.

This initiative aims to highlight the role of museums in the Kingdom of Bahrain as hubs for community engagement and cultural innovation, offering platforms that creatively bridge the past and present.

As part of the celebration, BACA announced free entry to the Bahrain National Museum and Qal’at al-Bahrain Site Museum on May 17-18, encouraging public access and exploration of the Kingdom’s cultural treasures.

The programme kicked off on May 17 with a range of activities, including a guided Pearling Path tour in Muharraq, a sketch tour at Al Khamis Mosque in collaboration with Sketchwalks, and a pottery and cuneiform writing workshop at the Bahrain National Museum, with a second session on May 24. On May 18, the programme featured two guided tours of the Kanoo Museum in Manama, along with an acrylic painting workshop by artist Zain Al Kooheji at the museum.

On May 22, the Bahrain National Museum will host a screening of the documentary La Ville Louvre, presented in collaboration with the French Embassy in Bahrain as part of the third edition of the Bahrain Francophone Film Festival. The film offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most renowned museums.

On May 24, the celebration takes a unique turn with Kayak with Kashta Tours, a sports and nature adventure exploring Nurana Island.

Opening on May 29 at the Bahrain National Museum is the exhibition Cultural Assets: The Ibrahim Yousif Al Hassan Collection, showcasing items originally belonging to the late pearl merchant Hassan bin Ibrahim Ahmed Al Hassan. Donated by the Al Hassan family.

The programme concludes on May 31 with an open-air painting workshop led by artist Ebrahim Al Ghanim.

This year’s celebration also highlights digital engagement with the launch of the official Instagram account for the Bahrain National Museum, enabling the public to stay updated with events and digital content. Families are especially encouraged to visit Qal’at al Bahrain Site Museum and explore the Find Enkiru app, offering children an interactive and educational museum experience.

Museum cafés are contributing to the celebrations as well. From May 15-17, Darseen Café at the Bahrain National Museum offered a special menu titled Flavours of Dilmun Civilisation, inspired by ancient Bahraini cuisine. Meanwhile, on May 17, Green Bar Café at Qal’at al Bahrain Site Museum presented a unique experience featuring live music by artist Hussain Nasrallahand a special menu of Bahraini dishes.

BACA is also collaborating with educational institutions such as the University of Bahrain and various public and private schools. Events include Behind the Scenes at the Museum, a special tour for University of Bahrain students to explore the Bahrain National Museum’s conservation laboratories. In partnership with Darseen Café, workshops will be held on topics such as Traditional Medicine as a Foundation for Daily Health by Dr. Jawaher Kadhem, a saffron tea-making session with palm blossom water and rosewater, and a workshop on crafting saffron syrup with rosewater.

At the Post Museum, children can participate in an art workshop led by artist Ali Hussain Mirza, creating postcards using cardboard printing techniques. The museum will also host a storytelling session with hakawati Mohammed Saleh. Additionally, a lecture on traditional Bahraini healing practices will be held at the Al Jaser Factory for Palm Blossom Water, giving attendees insights into the Kingdom’s folk medicine heritage.

GO: Visit www.culture.gov.bh/en  or follow @CultureBah on social media for more information.