‘Oman Museum Across Ages’ to be iconic landmark

MUSCAT, NOV 26 - Construction work is well under way on an iconic project which, when completed by the year 2020, will join a stellar array of national monuments built at key locations around the Sultanate to shine a spotlight on the monumental legacy of Oman’s modern renaissance and its architect, His Majesty the Sultan. ‘Oman Museum Across Ages’ has been billed by the project’s lead consultants as a new “cultural and educational hallmark for all Omanis and visitors” to the Sultanate. A joint venture of leading regional construction solutions provider Shapoorji Pallonji Middle East LLC and Oman Shapoorji Co LLC is undertaking the construction of the new monument not far from the magnificent Hisn Al Shumoukh landmark in the Wilayat of Manah in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. Prominent Australian based multidisciplinary architectural, planning, urban and interior design firm COX is the lead consultant for the project, which has been developed under the supervision of Royal Court Affairs. Australian headquartered Aurecon, which specialise in providing engineering, design, planning and project management services, are key consultants. Set on an area of around 40,000 sq metres, the distinctive design of the Oman Museum Across Ages has been inspired by the geometric profile of the majestic Hajar Mountains crisscrossed by ravines. Within its precincts, the exhibits aim to trace Oman’s momentous journey from prehistoric times to the present day with a specific focus on the gains of the nation’s modern renaissance led by His Majesty since 1970. “The new Museum acknowledges the rich foundations of the past in celebration of a bright and opportunistic future for Omanis and international visitors alike. The new Museum forges a bridge between the past and the future so that the youth of Oman transcend the knowledge of the past and engage with the Country’s tangible and intangible achievements in an innovative, informative and interactive manner,” explained Lead Consultant Cox Architecture in a note on the monumental project published on its website. “The project aims to present the story of Oman’s history, growth and development and offer an insight into the Oman of tomorrow through a comprehensive, layered narrative. The concept fundamentally works with the unique landscape to craft a museum bred out of the earth of Oman. It harmonises the landscape with the stories of human enlightenment and achievement,” it stated. Conrad Prabhu