Explore art, culture and the future at Dubai’s top museums
Dubai is home to several beautiful art galleries and museums. If you are looking to explore the art and culture of the UAE, we bring you a list of museums in Dubai that are open to visitors of all ages!
BEST MUSEUMS IN DUBAI
Whether you are a tourist or a resident, these museums will guarantee a fun learning experience. Let’s take a look at the most popular of them!
MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
Opening in 2022, the Museum of the Future immediately became Dubai’s most popular museum. Billed as a “living museum”, visitors to this architectural beauty are offered a tantalising glimpse into near-future technologies.
Designed by Shaun Killa and Mattar bin Lahej, the museum features exhibits themed around AI, space, climate change and augmented reality – from the world’s leading innovators.
- Ticket price:
- Individuals (4-years-old and above): AED 149
- Children (under 3-years-old): Free
- Location: Adjacent to Jumeirah Emirates Towers
- Timings: 10:00 am – 09:30 pm
- Contact: museumofthefuture.ae
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 gives you a chance to explore the cultural heritage of the city.
Shindagha Museum has 22 pavilions and 80 historic houses that feature 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:
- Adults: AED 15
- Children below 6-years-old: Free
- Students: AED 5
- Location: Al Shindagha, Dubai Creek
- Contact: alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae
DUBAI MUSEUM
Dubai Museum is a historic museum built within Al Fahidi Fort. The museum has colourful dioramas and enlightening exhibits, displaying the origins of the UAE.
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 renovations until further notice.
- Ticket price:
- Adults: AED 3
- Children (below 6-years-old): AED 1
- Location: Al Fahidi Fort, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
WOMEN’S MUSEUM (BAIT AL BANAT)
The next museum on our list is the Women’s Museum (also known as Bait Al Banat). This is one of the best museums in Dubai that celebrate the lives of women of the UAE and highlight the various roles played by them for the country.
Some of the exhibits in the Bait Al Banat include artwork by female artists from all over the UAE and the personal belongings of women in the past.
- Ticket price: AED 20 per person
- Location: Gold Souk
- Contact: +971-4-234-2342
HISTORY OF CINEMA MUSEUM
The History of Cinema Museum features over 300 unique photo and video artefacts that were collected by Bahraini/Lebanese businessman, Mr Akram Miknas — over a period of 35 years.
The items in this museum date back to the 1730s, offering visitors an interactive experience of the history of cinema. For guided tours, you can contact the museum. The place also hosts private parties, meetings and conferences and other special events.
- Ticket price:
- Adults (18-years-old and above): AED 30
- Children and high school students: AED 20
- University students: AED 25 (a valid university ID is required)
- Location: MCN Hive Building, 1st floor, Barsha Heights (Tecom)
- Contact: hocmuseum.com
Please note: The museum is temporarily closed.
ETIHAD MUSEUM
Our next pick is the Etihad Museum. 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 as well as their personal belongings.
Etihad Museum 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-year-olds): AED 10
- Groups (5 persons): AED 20
- Location: Jumeirah Street
- Timings: 10:00 am – 05:00 pm, Last entry: 04:00 pm
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
If you’re willing to be fascinated, you must visit the Museum of Illusions, Dubai. It features more than 60 visual and educational exhibits, including optical illusions, holograms and immersive rooms.
Each of the exhibits 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 their vortex tunnel, where you’ll get to learn about balancing your senses. Or if you love a good puzzle, why not solve their dilemma games?
- Ticket price:
- Adults (16+): From AED 80
- Children (5-15 years): AED 60
- Children (below 5-years-old): Free
- Senior citizens and students: AED 70
- People of determination: From AED 40
- Location: Heritage Area, Al Seef
- Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday to Sunday and public holidays: 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-years-old): AED 10
- Senior citizens and children below 6 years old: Free
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Timings: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm, Saturday and Thursday: 08:00 am – 02:00 pm, Friday: closed
- Contact: +971-4-359-5612
FREE MUSEUMS IN DUBAI
COFFEE MUSEUM
If you happen to be in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (simply known as Al Fahidi district), make sure to visit the Coffee Museum (also known as 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: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-353-8777, +971-4-353-8666
COINS MUSEUM
Our next pick is Coins Museum. The museum has over 470 pieces of rare coins that date 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
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 of the ranks of Dubai’s Police Force.
Ever thought of having a first-hand look at detention rooms for prisoners? You can tour through those rooms too at Naif Museum.
- 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
In addition to these places, you can head to:
- OliOli Dubai
- Crossroad of Civilisations Museum (CCM)
- Woo-hoo!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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 particularly offers an immersive experience for children.
Apart from these heritage sites, you can visit Madame Tussauds in Dubai, an iconic wax museum, with roots in London.
That concludes our list of all museums in Dubai. If you’re looking for some more fun things, indulge in these adrenaline-pumping activities in Dubai.
