National Museum and Ancient Yemen Civilizations
Discover Yemen extraordinary pre-Islamic heritage at the National Museum, home to remarkable artifacts from the ancient kingdoms of Saba, Himyar, and the legendary Queen of Sheba era.
- 1
National Museum Entrance
Enter the Yemen National Museum, housed in a former palace, where vast collections span prehistoric Yemen through the ancient South Arabian kingdoms to the Islamic and modern eras.
- 2
Sabaean Civilization Hall
Explore the hall dedicated to the Sabaean civilization, whose capital Marib built the ancient dam that irrigated the frankincense road, displaying alabaster statues, inscribed tablets, and bronze artifacts.
- 3
Ancient Script Exhibition
Study the exhibition of ancient South Arabian script, one of the most distinctive writing systems of the ancient world, preserved on stone inscriptions, bronze plaques, and wooden sticks.
- 4
Queen of Sheba Section
Visit the section exploring the legendary Queen of Sheba, known in Arabic as Bilqis, whose visit to King Solomon is recorded in three holy books and whose kingdom may have controlled the ancient incense trade.
- 5
Islamic Arts Collection
Browse the Islamic arts collection displaying manuscripts, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles from the medieval Islamic period when Yemen was a center of scholarship, trade, and Sufi learning.
- 6
Traditional Costumes Gallery
See the traditional costume gallery showcasing the extraordinary regional diversity of Yemeni dress, from the elaborate silver-embroidered garments of Sanaa to the distinctive styles of Hadramawt and Tihama.