by SALIM AL AFIFI
The art scene in Oman remains firmly attached to its vivid culture and heritage, but it does not shy away from contemporary art that offers a peek into the imaginative minds of our youth. Visitors looking for a quick gallery hopping session, we’ve got them covered. In this issue, we are bringing to you the best of what Oman has to offer in the realm of arts, highlighting four of the best galleries that not only offer a space for expressing creative energy but also celebrate a blend of heritage and modern art.
1. Stal Gallery
Stal Gallery is an art studio and gallery located in the heart of Muscat, dedicated to celebrating contemporary art in all its forms. Curated by renowned Omani artist Hassan Al Meer, the gallery is home to some of the most acclaimed artists in Oman and is a platform for launching young emerging artists. What sets it apart from other galleries in town is its modern approach to the fine arts; home to innovative minds.
With a focus on visual arts, Stal Gallery has become an artistic hub for fervent followers of art. And, it hosts a variety of international residencies, art classes, and the highly anticipated annual event, the Young Emerging Artist Awards. It’s also worth noting that the gallery is Alserkal Group’s first cultural project in Oman.
Al Inshirah Street, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Muscat
+968 2460 0396
Stalgallery.com
2. Bait Muzna
Bait Muzna is a renowned name in the Omani art scene. Established by HH Sayyida Susan Al Said, the gallery promotes contemporary art from local and global artists, while also supporting projects aimed at preserving traditional Arabic culture. The gallery further offers emerging artists the scope to exhibit and develop their discipline within the gallery, with one of the exhibitions being an art movement called The Community, curated by young emerging artists Ali Al Sharji and Sabrina Al Busaidi. (@thecommunityme on Instagram)
Al Saidiya Street, Old Muscat
+968 2245 7010
Baitmuznagallery.com
3. Bait Al Baranda
Bait Al Baranda is a museum and art gallery that exhibits the history of Muscat through interactive shows. Located in the bustling tourist destination of Muttrah, the place is recognised for its storytelling approach to Oman in the field of art, from its ancient times to its remarkable achievements of today.
Directed by Malik Al Hinai, the museum hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions that showcase the best of local and international fine art, and it is home to a number of workshops and seminars in the field of art and photography, among other things. If you want to explore culture on a canvas, then keep an eye out for their exhibitions.
Fun fact: Bait Al Baranda had previously housed the American Mission in the early 1930s and the British Council in the late 1970s.
Muttrah, Muscat
+968 2471 4262
Baitalbaranda.mm.gov.om
4. Gallery Sarah
A quick visit to this place will satisfy lovers of art who want to enrich their knowledge on the heritage and culture of the Sultanate. The contemporary art gallery is part of the Bait Al Zubair Museum, and showcases some of the finest work of local and international artists, with a focus on paintings and photographic artworks.
The gallery has a website that offers a platform for local artists to sell their artworks to the international market, making it an excellent place for Omani artists who seek exposure beyond the borders.
Al Saidiya Street, Old Muscat
+968 2208 4747
Gallerysarah.com
