Oman Across Ages Museum Named Among the World’s Most Beautiful
The Oman Across Ages Museum (OAAM) has been pronounced one of the “World’s Most Beautiful” by the prestigious Prix Versailles, reaffirming its status as a masterpiece of architecture and cultural storytelling. This accolade comes from an initiative that celebrates exceptional design achievements worldwide, with a focus on creating beauty, innovation, and social impact.
The Prix Versailles, announced at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, evaluates projects across six key criteria: innovation, creativity, ecological efficiency, social participation, and reflection of local, natural, and cultural heritage. Marking its 10th anniversary, the Prix unveiled an exclusive list of seven elite museums spanning India, Japan, Egypt, China, Poland, the Netherlands, and Oman.
Among the select few, OAAM competed for three coveted titles: the Prix Versailles, Interior, and Exterior. COX Directors Steve Woodland, Amanda Ainslie, and Greg Howlett proudly accepted the “Special Prize for Exterior” on behalf of the team—COX’s second Prix Versailles title following the 2019 award for Optus Stadium in Perth.
“The beauty of the museum is very much bred out of the extraordinary beauty of the Oman landscape,” said Steve. “Within the beautiful envelope of the OAAM lie the fascinating stories of Oman and its people. This is truly a place of contemporary storytelling by and for the Omani people, particularly its youth.”
Strategically located near Nizwa, a historic trade centre and major tourist destination, the Oman Across Ages Museum is more than a repository of history. It inspires visitors to engage deeply with Oman’s rich heritage and bright future. Its immersive exhibits and educational programs are designed to foster national pride and international appreciation.
The museum’s architecture is a direct homage to the jagged silhouettes and geometric profiles of the Al Hajar Mountains. Rising dramatically from the desert floor, the structure blends seamlessly with its surroundings, echoing Oman’s 800-million-year history and its aspirations for the future. Visitors journey through time, from prehistoric settlements to modern-day Oman, culminating in the Renaissance Gallery—a tribute to the nation’s remarkable transformation under Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said.
The museum’s design embodies the symbiosis of Oman’s natural beauty and human achievements. Angular, geometric forms mimic the mountain peaks, while diamond patterning—a unifying motif—runs from grand structures to intricate details. The museum’s expansive spaces accommodate galleries, a knowledge centre, an auditorium, artist studios, and conservation workshops, creating a dynamic hub for learning and cultural exchange.
Immersive gallery experiences contrast with serene spaces like the Timeline Gallery and reflection pool, offering visitors moments of calm introspection. The “Village Oasis”—a social gathering space beneath the Desert Parasol canopy—anchors the museum’s journeys, inviting visitors of all ages to gather, learn, and celebrate.
The Oman Across Ages Museum exemplifies the power of architecture to inspire wonder, foster dialogue, and shape the future. As Secretary General of Prix Versailles Jérôme Gouadain noted, “Museums provide singular settings conducive to intercultural dialogue… They fully contribute to the goals of intelligent sustainable development.”
With this recognition, COX and the Oman Royal Court Affairs have solidified OAAM’s place on the global stage—a cultural treasure that celebrates the spirit of Oman and its enduring legacy.