A comprehensive guide to Sharjah Archaeological Museum

Are you looking to explore the history of the emirates? Though there are several museums in Dubai that give you a glimpse of the ancient Emirati culture, Sharjah is also home to a number of historical places. One of the most prominent historical sites in the family-friendly emirate is the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. History buffs can embark on a unique journey here to experience the history of traditional Emirati life. So read on to find out more about Sharjah Archaeological Museum as we unearth the treasure of ancient artefacts and its history.

A Guide to Sharjah Archaeology Museum

The building might look like one from a bygone era, but the artefacts are presented in a technologically advanced format. One can also opt for an audio tour to the museum, and listen to the pre-recorded messages explaining the artefacts on display in great detail.

An array of exhibits are on display such as weaponry, jewellery, pottery and animal figures that date back to stone-age. Let’s take a look at all the exciting things to do at this archaeological museum in the UAE.

About the History of Sharjah Archaeological Museum

It is one of the most developed heritage museums in the UAE as it contains all the artefacts discovered in Sharjah from archaeological sites. This museum preserves, interprets and exhibits the deep-rooted history of the Emirates.

• Visitors get a chance to learn more about the ancient Arabic lifestyle and Bedouin culture through artefacts.
• It also contains objects unearthed from archeological excavations carried out in areas such as Al Muwaileh in 1973. On seeing this, you can learn more about the development of culture over the passage of time.
• Apart from jewellery, pottery and ancient weapons, there are other models and older currencies on display in this Sharjah museum.
• The findings from the archaeological excavations also reveal the connections of early Arabian inhabitants to current residents of Sharjah.
• Besides neighbouring connections, it evidences the commercial relationships with the Indus Valley inhabitants in the east and Mediterranean Islands to the west.
• This archaeological museum also allows you to explore cemeteries, tombs and houses that first appeared 2500 years ago!

Why Visit Sharjah Archaeology Museum

Though this museum fascinates history fanatics, it is also exciting for casual visitors.

• Another reason to visit this museum in Sharjah is that it sheds light on the lifestyle of the region’s inhabitants from the Stone Age, Iron Age and modern ages.
• Visitors can also learn more about how the desert dwellers adapted to the environment including the houses they constructed and the items they used to build them with .
• This museum also features films and interactive computer games to engage visitors who want to learn about the history of the region.

Highlights from the Collection of Sharjah Archaeology Museum

Sharjah Archaeological Museum is a well-organised museum where exhibits are categorised based on the different historic ages. From Stone Age, featuring artefacts between 5000 BC and 3000 BC, to Great Arabia which features instruments and tools used from 300 BC to 611 AD, there is a wealth of information on display in this museum about early human life.

The Stone Age (5000 BC – 3000 BC)

You will be amazed to know that the occupants of Sharjah date back to the period of Stone Age. The remains of early hunters, herders and fisherman are on display in this Sharjah heritage museum. One can also see the ancient tools and weapons crafted from stones and shells that the gatherers and hunters used.

The Bronze Age (3000 BC – 1300 BC)

In this era of the archaeological museum of Sharjah, you can relive the story of fishermen, hunters, herders who became miners, potters and smiths. It also displays advanced artefacts and weapons. For instance, there are bronze arrowheads, spearheads, chisels and knives. Further exhibits also show jewellery woven from precious stones, gold, bones, shells and more.

The Iron Age (1300- 300 B.C.)

It was the time when the population in the region significantly increased. In this era, people engaged in mining and construction underground for irrigation purposes. Metalworking was also at a peak where various metal objects including vessels were developed. Traces of stone pots and metal objects were also observed and these were traded or buried with the dead in the Iron Age.

Greater Arabia (300 BC – 611 AD)

The objects and exhibits in the Greater Arabia section feature collection of antiquities. In this period of Sharjah’s past, there was a significant use of iron objects. Apart from trading iron objects, the trade for incense also started in this era. Greater Arabia exhibits the early evidences of writing and coinage seen in the region. The archaeological site also showcases the burial rituals from back in the day. 

FAQs

What is the Archaeological Museum?

An Archaeological Museum exhibits the remains and belongings of ancient inhabitants that reflect their culture and lifestyle. The museum presents the exhibits from archaeological sites from home country, home culture or other relatable artefacts.

What is the Sharjah Archaeology Museum all about?

Sharjah Archaeology Museum is one of the many archaeological museums in the UAE that reflect how the environment and lifestyle of the region’s inhabitants evolved from 5,000 BC. The admirers of history can observe artefacts such as animal figures, human models, mud-bricks, horse tombs and more. It also exhibits artefacts that showcase the growing industrial skills of the inhabitants during the transition into the Bronze and Iron ages.

What are the other facilities in Sharjah Archaeology Museum?

A range of complementary facilities are available at this museum including free Wi-Fi, parking, restrooms and a prayer room. Other Sharjah Archaeological Museum facilities include an audio tour to the site and interactive quiz games. Besides, it is also accessible for disabled people with wheelchairs. There is also a gift shop to purchase souvenirs that makes your trip memorable.

What is the Sharjah Archaeology Museum entrance fee?

The entry to Sharjah Archaeological Museum is very affordable for visitors and is free for infants and children under 2 years. Visitors on their school trip can also visit this museum for free. No entrance fee is charged from people with disabilities and seniors above 60 years of age. Children aging between 2 and 12 years, AED 5 is charged and the entry fee for adults above 13 is AED 10.

Where is the Sharjah Archaeology Museum located?

Sharjah Archaeology Museum location map indicates exact location behind Sharjah Television building on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Road. This is between the Sharjah Archeology Authority and the Child Culture Center-Helwan.

What are the timings of Sharjah Archaeology Museum?

Sharjah Archaeological Museum timings from Saturday to Thursday are 08:00 am to 08:00 pm. Weekend timings of Sharjah Archaeological Museum on Friday are from 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

Here we conclude our guide to the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. While you are at it, you can also visit Sharjah Science Museum adjacent to the archaeological museum that is another family-friendly destination.

If you enjoy such educational sojourns, there are also museums in Abu Dhabi featuring artworks of creative geniuses including Picasso.

For a truly engaging museum experience, visit the Museum of Illusions which is a one-of-a-kind interactive museum in the UAE!