Zayed National Museum, the UAE’s national museum dedicated to the life and legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will open to the public on December 3 in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District.
The landmark institution will take visitors on an immersive journey through the UAE’s history, from ancient times to the present day, combining archaeological artefacts, historic objects, multimedia installations, and sensory experiences.
Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster, the museum will feature five permanent galleries, a landscaped outdoor space known as Al Masar Garden, and more than 1,500 artefacts from a collection of over 3,000 pieces.
The museum honours Sheikh Zayed’s enduring commitment to cultural heritage, education, and identity. Through galleries such as Our Beginning, Through Our Nature, To Our Ancestors, Through Our Connections, and By Our Coasts, visitors will explore the UAE’s ancient roots, trade connections, and the traditions that shaped its national identity.
The journey begins at Al Masar Garden, a 600-metre outdoor gallery stretching from the Saadiyat coast to the museum entrance, featuring native plants, sculptures, and a falaj irrigation system.
Zayed National Museum will stand alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, reinforcing Saadiyat Cultural District’s position as a global hub for culture, heritage, and innovation.-WAM
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