St. Petersburg, Russia – The second installment of the Oman Hall Initiative at the renowned State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg has captivated global audiences. Titled “The Omani Empire Between Asia and Africa,” the exhibition welcomed an impressive 414,481 visitors between December 2023 and January 2025.
Showcasing Oman’s Rich Maritime Heritage
This exhibition provided a fascinating glimpse into Oman’s maritime empire, featuring 28 rare artefacts from the Al Yaruba and Al Busaidi dynasties. These historical treasures highlighted Oman’s strategic role in connecting the Arabian Peninsula, West Asia, and East Africa between the 17th and 19th centuries.
Visitors from across the world praised the unique collections, which demonstrated Oman’s rich cultural heritage, maritime influence, and historical significance.
Strengthening Oman-Russia Cultural Ties
Following the overwhelming success of the first Oman Hall exhibition, inaugurated on June 2, 2021, this latest edition further reinforced the deep cultural partnership between Oman’s National Museum and the State Hermitage Museum.
As one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, the State Hermitage Museum boasts a collection of over three million masterpieces and attracts approximately 5.3 million visitors annually. The inclusion of Omani history in this prestigious institution underscores the global recognition of Oman’s historical and cultural influence.
A Historic Milestone for Omani Heritage
This highly successful exhibition solidifies Oman’s reputation as a cultural bridge between continents, celebrating its legacy as a dominant maritime power. The event not only educated visitors about Omani history and trade routes but also strengthened Oman-Russia diplomatic and cultural relations.
