All about Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

You must have read many stories pertaining to the skills, craftsmanship and discoveries of scholars in Islam. Visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which is the first Sharjah Islamic museum that displays an array of artefacts representing the works of different Islamic scholars from various fields. Opened in 1996 in the Heritage Area, the museum later moved to Corniche Street Sharjah and re-opened for visitors on June 6, 2008.

Here is all you need to know about this first Islamic museum of Sharjah.

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation Galleries

The museum exhibits more than five thousand Islamic artefacts that represent the history of Islam. Each of them is displayed in seven thematic galleries. Along with old Islamic art, there are displays of contemporary pieces as well.

The Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith

You can find rare historical Quran manuscripts, models, photographs, presentations and charts in this part of the museum.

The Ibn Al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology

This exclusive science gallery of the museum showcases the unique innovations of ancient Muslim scientists. You can find audiovisuals, 3D models, information panels and other prototypes representing the contributions of Islamic scholars in more than one field.

Islamic Art Gallery 1

This gallery is devoted to a wide range of archaeological objects. Pottery, metalwork, woodcarvings, textiles, manuscripts – all of the handicrafts and artwork reflecting the influence of Islam in the design world. 

Islamic Art Gallery 2

In this gallery, you can explore a variety of Islamic artworks made during the Ottoman, Safavid and Mughal era.

Islamic Art Galleries 3 and 4

These galleries display Islamic arts, crafts and weapons of the 13th, 14th, 19th and 20th century. These periods show the influence of European ideas on Islamic norms and traditions, and the artefacts found in the galleries epitomise that.

The Al Majarrah Temporary Exhibition Gallery

This part of the museum is reserved for temporary exhibitions which occur twice a year. 

Key highlights of the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation

Some of the major artefacts at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation include:

Islamic Coins

The museum exhibits a diverse selection of coins from the early Islamic period. Ummayads, Abbasid dinars and dirhams – all are on display here at the atrium outside the Al Majarrah Gallery.

The Sitara

You can also find a silk and gold embroidered replica of the Kiswah curtain of Ka’aba, showcasing the magnificence and sanctity of the holy place. The Sitara also called as “Al Burda” or “Al Burqu’a” was woven under the patronage of King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and since then, it has been kept in the museum.

Astrolabes

An old astronomical device, the astrolabes are also stored at the museum. Developed by Muslim scientists, these Hellenistic prototypes were used to locate stars, measure latitudes and determine the time.

The Lion or Lynx Censer

Incense has a significance in Islam. There are many bronze incense censers at the museum as well. Each of these feline animal-shaped incense burners represents the traditions of 5th-12th centuries and those of Khorasan, Eastern Iran.

Copper and Silver-Inlaid Neo-Mamluk Table or Stand

You can find this beautiful table and stand at the museum. Made in the 19th century, this Neo-Mamluk table is a replica of the famous table presented to Al Nasir Muhammad Qalawun in the early 1400s. The original is stored in the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo.

Mosaic dome

Decorated with an intricate mosaic depicting different zodiac signs, there is also the Central Golden Dome at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. The dome is so beautiful that it will leave you awestruck!

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation Entry Fee

To enter the museum, you are required to pay a certain fee. Here’s a complete breakdown of the price list.

• Children below 2 years can enter for free
• Children aged between 2 to12 years can enter for AED 5
• Adults aged 13 years and older can enter for AED 10

Schools Entry Fees

• Government school trips are free
• Private school trips are also free

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation Location

If you are coming from Sharjah, you can reach the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation within six to seven minutes. Follow Sheikh Zayed St/S124 until you reach Al Zahra Square/Clocktower Roundabout. From there, take the 2nd exit onto Gulf Street and continue straight. At Al Khaleej Square, take the 2nd exit and head along the street.

The route is simple not only for Sharjah residents but also for Dubai dwellers. You can reach the place within less than half an hour by getting on Sheikh Zayed Road/E11. Follow E11 to the connecting Sheikh Zayed Street/S124 in Sharjah. Continue straight.

Location and Timings of Sharjah Islamic Civilisation Museum

If you are planning to visit the museum, check out the location and timings of the place:

• Sharjah Islamic Civilisation Museum Location: Corniche Street, Al Majarrah area
• Sharjah Museum Timings: Sat-Thurs: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm, Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Facilities at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation

You can find a variety of facilities at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation such as a cafeteria, spacious parking, souvenir shops, restrooms and wheelchair access for the disabled.

Sharjah’s rich heritage is not limited to this museum of Islamic Civilisation. There is an abundance of museums in Sharjah. If you want to explore marine artefacts, head over to the Sharjah Maritime Museum. You will get to see a lot of historical objects there.

Similarly, exhibiting a treasure trove of ancient artefacts, there is an archaeological museum in Sharjah as well that you can check out.

There are also many other historic sites in Sharjah that celebrate the cultural diversity of the UAE and invite people to see the country in a new light.