Muscat – Oman Across Ages Museum in Manah, Dakhliyah has won the Australian Institute of Architects International Chapter Architecture Awards – a programme that honours exceptional buildings designed by Australian architects but situated overseas. Now in its 17th iteration, this year’s awards were presented at the Australia Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka on Saturday.

Designed by the Australian firm COX Architecture, the museum was awarded in the Public Architecture category.

The architects of the museum describe the project as a ‘global cultural hallmark’ representative of Oman’s past, geographic diversity and future aspirations’.

Jury chair Wei Jien Ito said, “We have been encouraged by this year’s award entries with their various challenges based on unique cultural, geographical and environmental circumstances. The various methodologies applied in many of these projects have translated into unique architecture that is also inherently Australian in their integrity of material, form and detail.”

The museum embodies the historical and cultural depth of Oman, displaying a journey spanning more than 800mn years. It offers an interactive experience using advanced display technologies. Its architecture is distinguished by its harmony with the terrain of the Al Hajar mountains, with angular blocks emerging from the ground to reflect the natural character of the landscape.