Travel through the portals of time and visit the Kuwait of centuries past at the National Kuwait Museum. This splendid cultural chronicle showcases various chapters of the country’s history that has unfolded on its arid landscape, which has unfortunately been paved over to give way to the gleaming towers of glass, steel and success.
Nestled behind the Sadu House that is just off Arab Gulf Street, you will encounter the impressive fort-like entrance to the museum, which leads into three buildings that house special collections of great historical merit. First up is a foray into Kuwait’s ancient past, an intriguing collection of archaeological treasures spread over two rooms.
The items showcased here were excavated from Failaka Island, a locality of around 24 sq. km that is situated approximately 20km east of Kuwait’s city. These valuable objects from antiquity hearken to 3000BC and display Hellenic influences due to the invasion of Alexander the Great, who established a colony in the area at the end of the fourth century. Browse through a collection of figurines, pottery, jars, flasks and terracotta items that date back to the period. Marvel at some stunning collections of jewellery that include gem stones, rings, necklaces, bracelets and others items of precious worth. Venturing even further back in time are fossils that date back approximately 16 million years, as well as a range of tools and implements from 5000-8000BC, which was the Neolithic Age.
Walk through the Heritage section of the museum, which features fascinating life-sized replicas of various aspects of Kuwait’s past, such as the bustling (sans the noise) souq market, a school room with children poring over books (and one naughty miscreant consigned to a corner), coy brides fussing in a bridal room, men socializing in a living room, a thriving Dhow construction site, fishermen casting their nets out into the sea, and other aspects of Arabic life as it unfolded prior to the advent of technology. Visitors will also encounter various items from different eras such as old pots, lamps, scales, incense burners, coffee pots, musical instruments, guns, traditional dress, jewellery, writing implements, sewing machines and other objects. Lining the walls towards the exit are old black and white photographs that offer a glimpse into another, simpler time of the desert nation’s history.
Travel out of this world and visit the Planetarium, which was designed and built by Carl Zeiss, a firm specializing in optical technology. Visitors can journey to the stars, presented in all their luminous glory within this special building.
The final port of call is an impressive trading boat from 1937 located on the grounds of the museum, and it presents a stunning spectacle set alight by the rays of the sun as it descends along the horizon. Reminiscent of Kuwait’s maritime past, it unveils an excellent photo opportunity so do not miss out!
After absorbing the museum’s cultural treasures to the fullest, retreat to one of the fine Kuwait hotels dotting the city and savour the rich history of this nation. The Al-Jahra Copthorne Hotel & Resort in particular is considered one of the best hotels in Kuwait to host leisure forays in the country, as the gracious staff and elegant interiors are part and parcel of a truly authentic Kuwaiti hospitality experience.
Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.