Kanoo Museum, Bahrain’s first private family museum under Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo Company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) to strengthen cooperation across the cultural and museum sectors.

The agreement marks a strategic public-private partnership aimed at enhancing Bahrain’s cultural landscape and supporting the preservation and promotion of national heritage.

The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration with the Bahrain National Museum, including joint cultural programming, coordinated promotion of both institutions, and enhanced systems for lending artifacts and artworks.

It also includes the exchange of expertise in exhibitions, restoration, and museum operations, alongside joint initiatives to revive cultural landmarks. Additionally, Kanoo Museum will be integrated into Bahrain’s cultural tourism map to broaden the Kingdom’s cultural offerings.

The MoU builds on BACA’s ongoing efforts to safeguard urban heritage, develop historic cities, and strengthen cultural tourism infrastructure.

It also reflects a shared commitment to advancing cultural and artistic revival in historic Manama through closer integration between public institutions and private initiatives.

Located in the heart of old Manama, Kanoo Museum is the first private museum in the area and plays an important role in documenting the legacy of the Kanoo family while contributing to the revitalisation of the historic souq.

Dr Faisal Kanoo, Chairman of Kanoo Museum, stated: “Our agreement with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (BACA) reflects a shared vision to further elevate Bahrain’s cultural sector through meaningful collaboration. Integrating private heritage initiatives within the broader national cultural framework not only strengthens the preservation of our collective history, but also enhances the depth and accessibility of cultural experiences offered across the Kingdom. Kanoo Museum remains committed to contributing to this evolving landscape in a way that is both enduring and rooted in heritage.”

Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, stated that such strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors underscore the importance of integration and collaborative cultural efforts in achieving visions that inspire our cities.

He added: “Museums located at the heart of historic cities represent a meaningful investment that enriches these areas with human and cultural value, while reviving their character and heritage. This is a responsibility that calls for unified efforts to further strengthen the infrastructure of cultural tourism in historic Manama. This collaboration also reflects our commitment to highlighting this aspect within the heart of Manama Souq, as we place our confidence in residents and members of the community to contribute to narrating chapters of the place’s history and preserving its legacy.” -TradeArabia News Service