Museums in Sharjah: Exhibiting the rich history of the region

Sharjah is called the cultural and heritage capital of the UAE for good reason. There are many historical sites Sharjah museums, which offers visitors and locals an opportunity to learn more about the history of the region.

LIST OF TOP SHARJAH MUSEUMS

The third-largest emirate in the UAE is neither like the glitzy and glamorous city of Dubai nor does it resemble the capital Abu Dhabi, home to mind-blowing theme parks. Instead, the city is the epicentre of art and tradition. Read on to find out about the best museums in Sharjah, for perfect for a day out in the majestic city.

SHARJAH MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC CIVILISATION

There are countless museums and heritage sites in Sharjah. The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation or more popularly known as Sharjah Islamic Museum is one such must-visit attraction for those interested in Islamic history. 

The museum is home to over 5,000 rare and timeless Islamic artefacts, manuscripts, ceramics, weapons, swords, coins and astrolabes. The Sitara, a gold-embroidered curtain for the door of the Holy Kaaba and the mosaic inside the central dome describing the zodiac constellations will leave you awe-struck.

Timings:

• Sharjah Islamic Museum opening hours are Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Tickets:

• Free entry for children under 2 years
• Children aged 2 to 12 years: AED 5 
• Adults (13+ years): AED 10
• Senior (60+): Free
• People with Disabilities: Free

Schools Entry Fees:

• Government school trips: Free | Private school trips: Free

Contact: +971-6-565-5455 ‎

SHARJAH ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

The Sharjah Archaeological Museum has mesmerising exhibits with varying displays of pottery, weapons, animal figures and jewellery dating back to the early Stone Age. 

The tombs, mud bricks and figurines indicate the lifestyle of the people in the golden days. The industrial artefacts depict the transition of the society from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age.

Timings:

• Sharjah Archaeology Museum opening hours are Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Entrance fee:

• Children (under 2 years): Free
• Children aged between 2 to 12 years: AED 5
• Adults (13+ years): AED 10
• Senior (60+): Free
• People with Disabilities: Free

Contact: +971-6-566-4566

SHARJAH CLASSIC CARS MUSEUM

Sharjah Classic Car Museum is the perfect spot to explore a wealth of exotic cars from the past. The museum opened in 2008 and it underwent major renovations in 2013. The museum is home to over 100 historical automobiles from different eras.

Sharjah Classic Cars Museum is one of the best locations where you can get a close look at some of the most iconic cars. The Museum is divided into four sections.

The Early Autos exhibit at this renowned Sharjah museum has cars manufactured from 1915 and 1939 that also includes the gorgeous Black Dodge from 1915. The other section is The Automobile Redefined that showcases cars from 1940 to 1959.

The third section, New Heights of Innovation, features cars from 1960 to 1987. The last section is the Large Vehicles and UAE Motoring segment that features huge four-wheel-drive vehicles, taxis in the UAE and the 1957 Bradford.

Timings:

• Saturday to Thursday 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Entry fee: 

• AED 5 for kids aged between 2 – 12 years
• AED 10 (13+ years) 
• Free for children under 2 years

Location:

• Airport Rd, between the 4th and 5th intersections، next to Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah

Contact: +971-6-558-0222

BAIT AL NABOODAH MUSEUM

Bait Al Naboodah Museum is located in the heart of Sharjah, a dedicated location featuring the best Sharjah museums and heritage sites in the city. The museum once served as the main residence of a prominent pearl merchant Al Naboodah. The museum is housed in a glorious building dating back to 1845.

The charming two-storey structure features a grand entryway with windcatchers on the walls. The entire structure, the artefacts and furniture give a glimpse into the ancient way of life in the UAE. You can also learn how people kept their homes cool during the sweltering heat back in the day.

Timings:

• Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Location:

• Heart of Sharjah, opposite Al Eslah School Museum and Souk Al Arsa, Al Mareijah, Sharjah

Contact: +971-6-556-6002

SHARJAH ART MUSEUM

Sharjah Art Museum is also a part of the Heart of Sharjah project. The art museum houses one of the largest art exhibitions in the Gulf region. The museum is built within a glorious old building, which boasts both temporary and permanent art pieces by local and international artists.

The permanent collection features artwork by prominent Middle Eastern artists like Abdulqader Al Rais, Obaid Sorour, Fatah Al-Turk and Louay Kayali.

The museum’s library also has 4,000 titles in Arabic, English and other languages. For art admirers, visiting this remarkable museum is one of the best free things to do in Sharjah.

Timings:

• Saturday to Thursday 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm 

Location:

• Arts Area, The Heart of Sharjah, Near Corniche Post Office

Contact: +971-6-568-8222

SHARJAH HERITAGE MUSEUM

The Sharjah Heritage Museum is a museum showcasing Emirati and Arab culture with several textiles, dioramas and textiles. Sharjah Heritage Museum is set in an 18th-century pearl merchant’s house. The museum has six galleries where visitors can explore the different occupations, way of life, festivals and other forms of Emirati culture.

• Timings: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
• Location: Heart of Sharjah, Corniche Street, Al Mareijah, Sharjah
• Contact: +971-6-568-0006

SHARJAH CALLIGRAPHY MUSEUM

If you’re a fan of Islamic and Arabic calligraphy, the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum is a must-visit for art buffs. The wide range of artistic calligraphy masterpieces include works from renowned international and local calligraphers. The calligraphy is done on canvas, wood, skin and ceramic with works dating as early as Kufic scripts.

• Location: Hamad Al Midf on Calligraphy Square in the Heart of Sharjah, Al Mareijah, Sharjah
• Contact: +971-6-569-4561

SHARJAH SCIENCE MUSEUM

The Sharjah Science Museum is a good choice for aspiring young scientists and adults alike. Over 50 exhibits are designed to pique kids’ interest in science and technology. The museum has interactive workshops for kids, where experienced professionals come up with engaging content to keep the little ones busy. Another attraction is the Planetarium where kids can learn about the stars, galaxies and the Milky Way.

Timings

• Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm
• Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Entrance fee 

• Children aged under 2 years and the elderly aged 60 and above: Free entry 
• People of determination: Free entry
• Children aged between 2  and 12 years: AED 5
• Adults over 13: AED 10

Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Street next to the Sharjah Television Station, Sharjah, UAE.

Contact: +971-6-566-8777

SHARJAH MARITIME MUSEUM

The Sharjah Maritime Museum is for marine and history buffs who would love to know more about the marine heritage and history of the Arab and the UAE. The Sharjah Maritime Museum was established in 2003.

The museum is home to a range of historical artefacts. The exhibit features boats, dhows, anchors and other equipment.

For more marine adventures, pay a visit to the Sharjah Aquarium located nearby with a joint ticket to the Sharjah Maritime Museum and the Sharjah Aquarium.

Tickets:

• Children aged under 2 years and the elderly aged 60 and above: Free entry 
• People of determination: Free entry
• Children aged between 2 and 12 years: AED 5
• Adults over 13: AED 10.

Timings: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm

 Location: Al Khan, Sharjah

Contact: +971-6-522-2002

AL MAHATTA MUSEUM

Al Mahatta Museum is housed in the old Sharjah Airport building. The museum is a popular spot for those who want to know more about the history of aviation in the region. From the first landing on the moon to a number of different aircraft and major historical flights, the museum is a treasure chest of information for aviation enthusiasts. 

• Timings: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday: 04:00 pm – 08:00 pm
• Location: Al Estiqlal St, Al Qasimia Area, Opp Sharjah Mega Mall, Sharjah
• Contact: +971-6-573-3079

That’s all for our guide to the top museums in Sharjah. While you’re in the city here is a list of the ultimate list of things to do in Sharjah if you’re looking for a way to spend a weekend in the city. Another attraction worth a visit is the Sharjah Rain Room located in the Sharjah Art Foundation, where you can take a mesmerising photo with your silhouette in the rain.