Explore art, culture and the future at Dubai’s top museums
Dubai is often celebrated for its futuristic skyline, luxurious shopping malls and thrilling desert adventures. However, beneath its modern exterior lies a rich cultural tapestry waiting to be explored. The city is home to various museums that offer a glimpse into its history, heritage and artistic vision. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast or simply curious about Emirati culture, museums in Dubai have something for everyone.
FAMOUS MUSEUMS IN DUBAI
In this guide, we’ll take you through the best museums in Dubai, highlighting their unique offerings and why they’re worth a visit. Let’s dive in!
MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
One of Dubai’s most iconic attractions, the Museum of the Future, which opened in February 2022, is a testament to the city’s forward-thinking ethos. It is shaped like a giant silver torus with Arabic calligraphy adorning its exterior. The museum explores futuristic technologies, artificial intelligence and sustainability.
Designed by Shaun Killa and Mattar bin Lahej, the Museum of the Future Dubai exhibits immersive experiences like space travel simulations, climate change solutions and innovations in health and wellness.
- Ticket price: General admission AED 159 | Pioneer Pass AED 399
- Location: Adjacent to Jumeirah Emirates Towers
- Timings: Daily, 09:30 am – 09:00 pm
- Contact: museumofthefuture.ae
ARTE MUSEUM
Arte Museum Dubai is a state-of-the-art digital art space that offers an immersive and sensory-rich experience, blending art, technology and nature. Inspired by the original Arte Museum in South Korea, this Dubai edition brings a unique cultural attraction to the city, captivating visitors with its stunning visual displays and interactive environments.
The museum uses large-scale projections, soundscapes and sensory elements to create an all-encompassing experience. It transports visitors into a world where art and nature intertwine.
The exhibits are centred around natural landscapes, such as beaches, waterfalls and jungles, reimagined through digital art.
- Ticket price: Tickets start from AED 69 | Check the official website for different packages
- Location: Level 2, The Dubai Mall (Opposite Galeries Lafayette), Downtown
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 01:00 am
- Contact: +971-4-570-7084
MADAME TUSSAUDS DUBAI
Madame Tussauds Dubai is a world-renowned wax museum located on Bluewaters Island, offering visitors the chance to get up close with incredibly lifelike wax figures of global celebrities, sports stars, historical icons and regional personalities. From Hollywood legends like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to cultural icons like Mahatma Gandhi and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the museum features over 60 figures across various themed zones.
This wax museum in Dubai is perfect for families, selfie enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fun, interactive experience. It’s a chance to “meet” your idols and create unforgettable memories!
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 115
- Location: Bluewaters Island
- Timings: Daily, 10:30 am – 07:30 pm
- Contact: +971-4-873-3042
SHINDAGHA MUSEUM
Ever wondered where the vision of the Dubai we see today was first thought of? Head to the Shindagha Museum (also known as Al Shindagha Museum) to find out. Located on the banks of Dubai Creek, the museum allows you to explore the city’s cultural heritage.
Shindagha Museum has 22 pavilions and 80 historic houses, each featuring interactive displays of photos, videos and artefacts from the 19th century.
Don’t forget to tour the popular Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, or the “Perfume House,” to learn about Emirati fragrances.
- Ticket price:
- Adult Ticket: AED 50
- Student Ticket (5 to 24 years): AED 20
- Group Ticket (5 persons and above): AED 40
- Location: Al Shindagha, Dubai Creek
- Timings: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Contact: 800-33222 | alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae
DUBAI MUSEUM
Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort is a historic museum. It has colourful dioramas and enlightening exhibits, displaying the UAE’s history and heritage.
If you’re curious about what old Dubai looked like, add this museum to your list. This fort was once used as a monarch’s base, fortified residence, prison and weapon arsenal.
Please note: Dubai Museum is currently closed for renovation until further notice.
- Ticket price:
- Adults: AED 3
- Children (below 6 years): AED 1
- Timings: Daily, 07:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Location: Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
WOMEN’S MUSEUM (BAIT AL BANAT)
The Women’s Museum (also known as Bait Al Banat) is the next museum on our list. This is one of the best museums in Dubai that celebrates the lives of the women of the UAE and highlights their various roles undertaken for the betterment of the nation.
Some exhibits in the Bait Al Banat include artwork by female artists from all over the UAE and women’s personal belongings from the past.
- Ticket price: AED 20 per person
- Location: Gold Souk
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-234-2342
ETIHAD MUSEUM
Our next pick is the Etihad Museum in Dubai. Spread over 25,000 sq. m., this place has multiple interactive pavilions featuring exhibitions from 1968 and 1974. There are also snapshots of the founding fathers and their personal belongings.
Etihad Museum Dubai is located on the historical site of the Union House, where the first constitution was signed in 1971.
- Ticket price:
- Adults: AED 25
- Students (5 – 24 years): AED 10
- Groups (5 persons): AED 20
- Location: Jumeirah Street
- Timings: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm, Last entry: 04:00 pm
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
Do you want to be fascinated? Visiting the Museum of Illusions, Dubai is a must! It features over 60 visual and educational exhibits, including optical illusions, holograms and immersive rooms.
Each exhibit at the Museum of Illusions is designed to tease your senses and trick your mind. The only challenge? Deciding what to do first! You can navigate through the vortex tunnel to learn about balancing your senses. Or, if you love a good puzzle, why not solve their dilemma games? It is also the perfect place if you are looking for children’s museums and interactive learning!
- Ticket price:
- Adults (16+): From AED 90
- Children (5-15 years): AED 65
- Children (below 2): Free
- Senior citizens and students: AED 75
- People of Determination: From AED 40
- Location: Heritage Area, Al Seef
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-357-3999
SARUQ AL-HADID ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM
Next on our list is the Saruq Al-Hadid Archeology Museum (also written as Saruq Al Hadid Archeology Museum). The site was discovered in 2002 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Vice-President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai) as he was travelling by a chartered flight over the Rub-al-Khali desert.
Over 8,000 pieces of pottery, iron and gold were found and unearthed from this site and are now displayed at the Saruq Al Hadid Museum in Dubai.
- Ticket price:
- Adults: AED 20
- Children (7 – 12): AED 10
- Senior citizens and children below 6 years old: Free
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 07:30 am – 07:00 pm | Friday and Sunday, 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | Closed on Saturday
- Contact: +971-4-359-5612
COFFEE MUSEUM
If you are in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Al Fahidi district), visit the Coffee Museum (also known as the Dubai Coffee Museum).
This is one of the free-entry museums, where you can explore the history of coffee and learn about different brewing and roasting methods used in the past.
- Location: Villa#44, Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 09:00 am – 05:00 pm | Closed on Friday
- Contact: +971-4-353-8777 | +971-4-353-8666
COINS MUSEUM
Our next pick is the Coins Museum. The museum has over 470 rare coins dating back to various epochs throughout the Middle East’s history. You can walk through eight different rooms at the museum. The place is housed in a traditional Arabian building made of sandalwood, coral and stones.
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Timings: Monday – Thursday: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm, Friday: 08:00 am – 11:30 am, Saturday and Sunday: Closed
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
Note: The Coins Museum is temporarily closed for renovation
NAIF MUSEUM
The building that is now the Naif Museum was built in 1939 entirely with clay and was the first police station in Dubai. Over here, you can see traditional police uniforms, weapons, medals, and badges for the ranks of Dubai’s Police Force.
Ever thought of having a first-hand look at detention rooms for prisoners? You can tour those rooms at Naif Museum, too.
- Location: Naif Street
- Timings: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm, Friday: 08:00 am – 11:30 am, Saturday and Sunday: closed
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
MUSEUM OF CANDY
Got a sweet tooth? Step into a candy paradise and explore over 15 themed rooms at the Museum of Candy! Each room bursts with vibrant colours, sweet surprises and endless Instagrammable moments.
Let your imagination run wild in interactive spaces filled with candy-themed games, creating unforgettable memories while having the sweetest time of your life. Don’t forget to indulge in delightful treats at their Instagrammable café, which offers a range of coffees, ice creams, and candies to satisfy your sweet cravings!
- Ticket price:
- Adult (10 years+): AED 83.30
- Child (3 to 9 years): AED 69.30
- Free for PODs
- Location: Umm Hurair Road
- Timings: Daily, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-591-0088
FAQs
CAN YOU NAME A FEW FREE MUSEUMS IN DUBAI?
Coffee Museum and Coins Museum Dubai have free entry. You can also visit the Naif Museum.
ARE THERE ANY NEW MUSEUMS IN DUBAI?
Yes, Arte Museum is a new illusion museum in Dubai. If you want to explore Dubai’s art and culture scene, Arte is the best place to be!
ARE THERE MUSEUMS NEAR DUBAI CREEK AND AL SEEF?
Yes, the Museum of Illusions and Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort are near Dubai Creek and Al Seef.
WHAT ARE THE BEST INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI?
For indoor activities in Dubai, consider visiting Dubai Aquarium, Ski Dubai or Aya.
WHICH IS THE BEST MUSEUM IN DUBAI FOR CHILDREN?
All museums in Dubai are child-friendly. The Museum of the Future offers an immersive experience for children.
That concludes our list of all the museums in Dubai. If you’re looking for more fun things, indulge in these adrenaline-pumping activities in Dubai.
Featured Image Credit: MOTF/Arte Museum/Coffee Museum Official Websites
