Bahrain / Attractions / Museum of Pearl Diving

The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is regarded as one of the most important and historic buildings in Bahrain. Its importance derives from being the first official center for the Bahrain Courts. In addition, it is a vital witness to what Bahrain has achieved through its long history in regard to the application of civil law and regulations, and the establishment of the principles of justice on solid legal foundations.

The building was opened by the late H.H. Sh. Hamad Bin Essa AI-Khalifa, then governor of Bahrain, in the Hijra year 1356 (Islamic Calendar), October 18th, 1937.

The building at that time consisted of four Supreme Courts, in addition to three Directorates: (1) Sunni Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Sunnis), (2) Jaffaria Waqf (Religious Endowments of the Shiites), and (3) Minors Estate (Properties of Underage). In addition, there were rooms used as offices, and another room for filing purposes.

In 1984, the building was transformed into the Traditional Heritage Center. Its departments and rooms were dedicated to the display of various traditional aspects of Bahrain's heritage, except the Supreme Courtroom, to which no significant change has been made for 65 years. The Supreme Courts at that time included (1) a Civil Court, (2) an Appellate Court, and (3) a Criminal Court.

The current 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is under the authority of the Directorate of Archaeology and Heritage, which is one of the major Directorates of the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and Information. The 'Museum of Pearl Diving' building is a source of pride to Bahrain, for it contains the story of Bahrain, its governors, and its people from the past till the present.

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