Bin Matar House

Bin Matar House is a beautifully restored traditional Bahraini house in Muharraq, offering a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich pearling legacy and traditional architecture. Once the residence and majlis (gathering place) of a prominent pearl merchant, it now functions as a vibrant museum and cultural center, forming a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage Pearling Path.

Listen to an introduction about Bin Matar House

Name and Address

Name: Bin Matar House (also known as Bin Matar Building or Pearl Museum)
Address: Rd No 1129, Muharraq, Bahrain.
Location: Situated in the historic city of Muharraq, once the capital of Bahrain, and now a central site along the Pearling Path. It was originally built on reclaimed land and was once surrounded by the sea.

How to Get There

Bin Matar House is easily accessible within Muharraq, which is well-connected to Manama.

By Car/Taxi/Rideshare: This is a convenient option. A taxi ride from Bahrain International Airport to Bin Matar House typically takes about 5-10 minutes. Parking in the immediate vicinity can be limited, but a multi-story car park is available nearby.
Public Transportation: You can take a bus from Manama to Muharraq Bus Terminal (approx. 25 minutes). From the terminal, Bin Matar House is a short walk (15-20 minutes) or a quick taxi ride away.
On Foot: If you’re exploring the Muharraq Souq area, Bin Matar House is easily reachable on foot, typically a 5-10 minute walk from the heart of the souq. It’s a key site along the Pearling Path.
Visitor Access: Bin Matar House is open to the public. It typically operates from Saturday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Some sources indicate extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, but it’s always best to check the Sheikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research website for the most current timings and any special exhibition schedules. There is usually an admission fee (e.g., 2 BHD for visitors), with free or reduced rates for Bahraini citizens.

Landscape and Architecture

Built in 1905, Bin Matar House is an excellent example of traditional Bahraini architecture, meticulously restored to preserve its historical integrity while adapting to its modern function.

Traditional Design: The house was constructed using local materials such as palm tree trunks, sea-stone, and gypsum. Its layout often features a central courtyard, providing a cool and tranquil space essential for the region’s climate.
Architectural Details: The building showcases traditional Bahraini elements like decorated walls, tall rectangular wooden windows, and graceful archways across the central rooms. Intricate wooden doors and gypsum panels highlight the craftsmanship of the era.
Restoration: Saved from demolition by the Sheikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research, the house underwent extensive restoration in 2009. Great care was taken to preserve its original architectural features.
Multi-functional Space: While maintaining its historic charm, part of the house has been transformed into an art space hosting rotating exhibitions by local, regional, and international artists. It also features a permanent exhibit on pearling history and the life of Salman bin Hussein Bin Matar.

What Makes It Famous

Bin Matar House is famous for several key reasons:

Pearling Heritage: It is a direct link to Bahrain’s once-thriving pearl diving industry, having belonged to a prominent pearl merchant. It vividly tells the story of this crucial part of Bahrain’s economic and cultural past.
UNESCO Pearling Path: It is a significant component of the Pearling, Testimony of an Island Economy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which highlights Bahrain’s pearling history.
Architectural Preservation: The house is celebrated as a prime example of traditional Bahraini architecture that has been meticulously preserved and revitalized, showcasing the beauty and ingenuity of historical building techniques.
Cultural Hub: It serves as a dynamic cultural center, blending historical exhibits with contemporary art, fostering dialogue between past and present.
Authentic Glimpse into History: Visitors can experience the traditional lifestyle of a wealthy Bahraini family from the early 20th century, with furnished rooms and detailed displays.

Differences from Some Other Landmarks

Bin Matar House distinguishes itself from other Bahraini landmarks in several ways:

Focus on Domestic Life and Pearling: Unlike grand mosques (like Al Fateh Grand Mosque) or modern skyscrapers (like Bahrain World Trade Center), Bin Matar House offers an intimate look into the domestic and commercial life of a historical pearl merchant, providing a very specific cultural and economic narrative.
Part of a Larger Trail: While Bahrain Fort is a standalone archaeological site, Bin Matar House is an integral part of the Pearling Path, encouraging visitors to explore a network of related historical houses and sites in Muharraq.
Restored Traditional House vs. Ancient Ruins: It represents the meticulous restoration of a relatively “newer” historical building (early 20th century) that was a lived-in residence, contrasting with the ancient ruins of a fort that spans millennia.
Art and Heritage Blend: The unique combination of a historical museum with a contemporary art gallery creates a distinct visitor experience that sets it apart from purely historical or purely modern attractions.