“Journey to the Land of Frankincense” Exhibition

Embodying the historical ties between the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of France, the National Museum in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth inaugurated today, Thursday (May 11, 2023 CE), the “Oman Day” exhibition and activities under the title “Journey to the Land of Frankincense” at the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon, French Republic.

The inauguration ceremony included a musical performance by the Omani musician Musallam bin Ahmed al-Kathiri and al-Balad musical band. Musallam won a special award at the Aga Khan Music Award 2022 for his excellence in serving the Omani musical heritage.

The exhibition, which will last until 10 September 2023, is full of (25) artifacts offers a visual representation of the nation, its people, its past and present – giving form to patterns of life in the country and expressing the cultural qualities for which it is renowned, manifested in images of beauty, the culture of scent, as well as through the importance of faith and the seeking of knowledge.

Trade is also highlighted in the exhibition with objects representing the importance of trade in forming and solidifying exchange routes across the ancient world, allowing Omani civilisations to connect with Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, Ancient Egypt, East Africa, and the Roman Empire, serving as reminders of a well-connected world.

It is noteworthy, the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon is located in the heart of the "Terreux" square in the center of Lyon, in the magnificent Benedictine monastery that dates back to the 17th century AH. The monastery is now home to a stunning sculpture garden. The museum consists of five departments and (70) galleries that highlight artworks from all major civilizations and art schools, from antiquity to the present day.

The museum presents a museum narrative that spans about 5,000 years of art history with masterpieces by Veronese, Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Renoir, Gauguin, Chagall, Matisse, and Picasso. Over the past years, the Museum has organized major temporary exhibitions and cultural activities targeting the various segments of the public.