Manah – The Oman Across Ages Museum, located in Wilayat of Manah, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 International Chapter Award for Public Architecture by the Australian Institute of Architects. The announcement was made at the Australian Pavilion during the Osaka Expo 2025, where the museum was recognized for its architectural excellence and cultural significance.
Designed by Australian firm COX Architecture, the museum was selected for its outstanding approach to integrating environmental consciousness with cultural storytelling. The award is given to international projects that reflect innovation, craftsmanship, and contextual sensitivity—criteria the museum met with distinction.
“This award is a recognition of a project that not only tells the story of Oman’s history, but does so through a form that honors both the environment and the architectural future,” said the jury chair during the award announcement. He added that this year’s entries were particularly strong in addressing geographical, environmental, and cultural challenges, with winning projects excelling in material quality, design precision, and contextual harmony.
The Oman Across Ages Museum stands as a modern cultural landmark that bridges Oman’s rich heritage with its ambitions for the future. Through interactive exhibitions and a bold yet respectful design, it creates a powerful narrative experience for both local and international visitors.
The museum has become a symbol of Oman’s evolving identity—celebrating not only its past and traditions but also its openness to global collaboration and sustainable design principles. The award from the Australian Institute of Architects adds to the growing international recognition of Oman’s cultural diplomacy and soft power projection.
This accolade also highlights Australia’s architectural influence abroad, particularly through firms like COX, which continue to lead globally recognized projects that embody cultural relevance and environmental mindfulness.
The honor comes at a time when the intersection of architecture, identity, and ecological consciousness is taking center stage on the global design agenda. The Oman Across Ages Museum is now considered a benchmark for future public architecture in the Middle East and beyond.
