Thinking of clever ways to pass time or enjoy the weekend here in Kuwait? Try checking out some of Kuwait’s unique museums. There’s pretty much a handful of them when you go around Kuwait City. Aside from exploring the nooks and crannies of the city you’ll also get to learn a ton of things about life here in Kuwait – its history, culture, religion, and all that jazz.
Whether you’re into art, history, technology, science or religion, there’s literally a museum you can check out that will match your interest and satisfy your curious cravings. Here’s a list of some of the more famous museums here in Kuwait:
Guide to Popular Museums in Kuwait
We have compiled this list of places for you to visit especially if you want to learn more about the history of the country.
1. The Scientific Centre of Kuwait (TSCK)
If you’re planning to take out the kids for a fun weekend activity, head over to Salmiya for a trip to the Scientific Centre of Kuwait. This cultural and educational facility was founded by The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences back in 1992 and has been constructed to showcase Kuwait’s colourful history and its technological advancement and position in modern society. The TSCK has four main tourist attractions: the Aquarium, Dhow Harbour, Discovery Place and the IMAX theatre. On top of these, guests can also check out several cafes and restaurants, as well as a gift shop within the vicinity.
2. Mirror House (aka The Khalifa and Lidia Qattan Art Museum)
What do you get when you bring two intellectual artistes together under one roof? A house covered entirely of mirrors. Khalifa Qattan and his Italian wife, Lidia, have transformed their residence into a house overlaid with mirror mosaics, with each design carrying a particular theme and meaning. Lidia Qattan began crafting their dream house in 1966 until 2006. She transformed the floor, walls and the ceiling of every room into a mystical masterpiece that is sure to mesmerize guests of all ages. Enter an enchanted journey inside the Mirror House for an otherworldly experience bringing the elements of science, fantasy and spiritual enlightenment.
- Kuwaiti Maritime Museum
Before the oil industry became a huge success in the Middle East, Kuwaitis were renowned pearl divers and seafarers. Owing to the rich seafaring legacy of Kuwait, the Kuwaiti Maritime Museum was built to share this part of Kuwait’s rich history. If you’re new in town, you wouldn’t have a hard time to spot the place because of the huge wooden ship docked and a model lighthouse outside the museum. With only two floors inside, you’d be surprised with the number of ship work-related tools and fishing gears housed inside the museum. Also, the ship-like gallery’s modern design will truly impress spectators and guests from all walks of life.
If you’re visiting Kuwait City, don’t miss the chance to stop by Jabriya Block where you can find the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Arts. The museum houses a private collection of over 10,000 items from clothing and jewellery to swords, musical instruments, as well as Qurans that have been gathered not only from Kuwait but the entire region. It’s a must-see for first-time travellers in Kuwait. Moreover, the place also has a nifty souvenir shop where you can find pretty postcards with images and paintings of Kuwait, which are rather hard to find in the city.
- Amricani Cultural Centre
Located just across Kuwait’s House of Parliament, the Amricani Cultural Centre, which used to be the American Missionary Hospital, shares a part of Kuwait’s rich history through their impressive display of precious artefacts and informative lectures. The museum’s architecture will bring you back to the period (early 1900s) in which the hospital was built for the Americans to offer medical help in Kuwait. The hallways feel like you’re walking through a maze or are part of a scene in the movie ‘Saw’. Whether you’re into that kind of thrill or not, it’s a great place to bring the whole family to explore and learn more about Kuwait’s history.
- Dickson House Cultural Centre
One of the few places in Kuwait that have been restored and preserved for its cultural value, the Dickson House Cultural Centre is a two-storey building with 30 rooms and a fabulous (and very British) courtyard that had been home to the British Political Agency in the early 90’s. Besides marvelling at the 19th century Kuwaiti architecture and antique furniture pieces from the era, guests are also treated to a meaty history class of how petroleum was discovered in Kuwait while enjoying free access to most parts of the vicinity either in a group or on your own.
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Whether you’re a first-timer or have been living in Kuwait City for some time, there’s surely something new and special you’d find in these charming museums all over the city.