Al-Ghasham House Museum
Located outside the Capital Muscat, you can find this historic “house”, the Al-Ghasham House. It tells so much about the rich history of Oman.
“It was named Al - Ghasham House after its previous owner, Sayyid Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Nasser Al - Ghasham - Busaidi. He was a minister of Sultan Taimur bin Feisal, and Wali of Muttrah, who was known by his nickname. He lived in this house with his family. It became the home of Mr. Ahmed bin Hilal bin Ali Al Busaidi, the father Almirdas bin Ahmed, and his permanent residence. It was also occupied by His Highness Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq bin Taimur, and his Highness when they used to come and spend the holiday with their grandfather, Sayyid Ahmed bin Hilal. The House was then owned by Sayyid Almidras bin Ahmed Al Busaidi and was finally bought by Sayyid Al bin Hamoud bin Ali Al Busaidi and restored to turn it into a museum.
Period of construction
The construction goes as far back as the reign of Sayyid Said bin Sultan Al Busaidi (1791 - 1856), which means that the age of the house exceeds almost 200 years.
Components
The House is 40 meters long and 30 meters wide. That includes the part that has been restored. There are 15 rooms of different usage, spread over 2 floors. There is the morning room (al Sabah) and the men’s meeting room (al sabla); also some fortified rooms and one to shelter from attacks. There are watch towers and a big yard, in addition to the well and places to store dates.
In front of the House runs a constructed Falaj (water stream). A theatre can accommodate more than 1000 people; planted on the side are some of the most well-known Omani palm trees. There is also a shop selling nice antiques and nice gifts.
Restoration
The restoration work carried out under technical consultation of the Ministry of Heritage and Culture, lasted more than 4 years. It covered renovation of all the rooms and the main house, the entrances, the sitting rooms, the stores, the facilities, the horse studs, the well, the internal arena, the surrounding wall and some improvement works.
The same old traditional materials used previously have been used again for the restoration: slurry, Omani Sarooj, Omani plaster, flat mountain stones, and different types of wood, e.g. very special rosewood.
Museum Theater
The museum has a cultural forum that hosts cultural events, plays, artistic evenings, special festivals, Eids celebrations, holiday celebrations, and more.”
Text source: Al-Ghasham House Museum
Location: Wilayat of Wadi Al-Maawil, village of Afi - Al - Shalli. / 57.8079890.23-4672840
For information and to book a tour:
or visit: www.almaamaritours.com