We Illuminated The Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Governorate of A’Dakhiliyah, a project commissioned by the Royal Court Affairs, Sultanate of Oman.

Opening in March 2023, by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the museum foundation stone was laid in 2015 by the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The museum showcases the unique characteristics and historical significance of the Sultanate of Oman, comprising a knowledge center and auditorium, permanent and temporary exhibition galleries, a vast garden and several dining venues.

We were appointed by exhibition designers Event Communications for the lighting design and commissioning of the permanent exhibition project. The aim of the project was to reflect the modern country that Oman has become, while still retaining a sense of its authentic culture and identity.

The History Gallery tells the story of Oman from its geological formation to current era. For the lighting scheme, the brief was to create a sense of place throughout the hall. We achieved this by providing animated lighting, allowing the space to follow a day-to-night sequence that amplifies the natural history narrative. The striking design of the exhibition mirrors Oman’s rugged landscape, with the lighting revealing the space in the way that natural light does – creating various contrasting shadows and highlights as the day changes.

The second hall, the Renaissance Gallery, explores the social, political, economic and industrial transformation of Oman. The goal was to reveal the incredible technological advances of the country in a short time by marrying the lighting with sophisticated audio-visual displays.

Throughout, delicate and valuable historical objects, from archaeological collections to modern documents, were carefully lit to conservation levels, within display cases designed especially for the project. 

The lighting design will highlight the history and present day of Oman for years to come, illuminating visitors who come to learn about the culture.