The Kanoo Museum

What to Expect

The Kanoo Museum, a private institution founded by the Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group, offers a unique insight into more than a century of the company’s history and its contributions to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Prominently positioned at the heart of the Old Manama Souq, the museum occupies the first building ever used by the Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Group. This setting adds to its character, connecting visitors directly to the roots of one of Bahrain’s most established family businesses.

This revitalised museum, officially inaugurated on 23 September 2025 by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, serves as both a cultural and historical landmark. It highlights the Kanoo family’s legacy and Bahrain’s long tradition of trade and enterprise, in a bid to inspire future generations to appreciate the country’s commercial and social development.

Inside, visitors can explore original documents, photographs, and personal items that tell the story of the company’s growth and its role in shaping Bahrain’s economy. Recreations of the original Kanoo offices bring the past to life, offering a glimpse into the business practices and the spirit of innovation that helped define the region’s economic history.

After an inquisitive tour, you can still enjoy a refreshing drink without leaving this historic landmark at Romeo’s Café, a local eatery that complements the museum’s mission by creating a social and cultural hub within its historic space. Serving speciality coffee, inventive beverages, and light bites, the café enhances visitors’ experiences, offering a relaxed, stylish setting that encourages reflection, conversation, and an appreciation of Bahrain’s heritage.

If you are looking for a window into Bahrain’s role as a trading hub at the turn of the 20th century, head to the Kanoo Museum, a national heritage site that bridges the past and present through the story of a family and a company deeply entwined with Bahrain’s progress.