Welcome to the vibrant cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi, where museums unfold stories that captivate you at every turn. As you step into the heart of this thriving city, you'll find yourself immersed in a world of art, history, and innovation. Here, you'll discover museums that beckon you to explore, inviting you to unlock the mysteries of the past and witness the marvels of human creativity. From the intricate designs of ancient artifacts to the cutting-edge wonders of modern technology, these museums in Abu Dhabi are gateway to a journey that promises to leave an indelible mark on your senses.
Best Museums in Abu Dhabi: Where Art, History, and Innovation Converge
Embark on a fascinating odyssey through the rich heritage of Abu Dhabi as you traverse the corridors of these cultural havens. Whether you're drawn to the whispers of centuries-old tales or the pulsating energy of contemporary exhibits, the museums here extend an open invitation for you to become a part of their narrative. Let the captivating displays and interactive exhibits be your guide, as you navigate through the diverse tapestry of Abu Dhabi's cultural tapestry. So, are you ready to let the museums in Abu Dhabi weave their enchanting tales around you?
Here is the list of top 8 Abu Dhabi museums to dive deep into understanding the cultural and historic heritage:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: Where Art Unveils Timeless Stories
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Elevating Creativity, Defying Boundaries
- Zayed National Museum: Discover the Legacy of a Visionary Leader
- Natural History Museum: Wonders of Earth's Past and Present
- Emirates National Auto Museum: Rev Up Your Passion for Automotive Marvels
- Women's Handicraft Center: Celebrating Craftsmanship, Empowering Artisans
- Al Ain Classic Car Museum: Journey Through the Ages of Automotive Excellence
- Folklore Gallery: Preserving Traditions, Inspiring Narratives
1. Louvre Abu Dhabi: Where Art Unveils Timeless Stories
The Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi, a futuristic art museum in Abu Dhabi, features over 600 artworks across 23 permanent galleries, covering 8,000 square meters. Among the best things to do in Abu Dhabi is to explore the loaned works from French museums, including the Louvre, Palace of Versailles, and Musée d'Orsay, showcase Egyptian antiquities, Neolithic statues, and Chinese ceremonial vases. The museum also features a children's museum and hands-on workshops for skill improvement. The largest museum in Abu Dhabi is dedicated to galleries showcasing significant cultural and educational collections. The museum's floating dome structure is a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
Location: Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday- 10 am to 6:30 pm
- Friday to Sunday- 10 am to 8:30 pm
- Monday- Closed
Louvre Abu Dhabi Tickets:
- AED 63 for adults (18+)
- Free for: The list includes individuals under 18, UAE senior nationals and residents, Art Club members with guests, youth and teacher pass holders, ICOM/ICOMOS card holders, journalists, and people of determination with one companion
Special Mention:
- Self Portrait - Vincent Van Gough
- Fountain of Light - Ai Weiwei
- Napoleon Crossing the Alps - Jacques Louis David's
- Bronze Position Statue - Edgar Degas
- Number 26A: Black and White Jackson Pollock
- Horses of the Sun - Gilles Guerin
Designed by: Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel
2. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: Elevating Creativity, Defying Boundaries
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a collaboration between Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, is set to become the region's pre-eminent museum of global modern and contemporary art. This new museum in Abu Dhabi will present a global collection focusing on West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA), encompassing over 600 works since circa 1960. The museum will advance the study and interpretation of global modern and contemporary art through educational and community outreach programs. When it is finished, it will be one of the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Frank Gehry, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will serve as a cultural leader and a creative platform for artists worldwide.
Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Opening Date: 2025
Opening Hours:
- Thursdays through Mondays- 11 am to 6 pm.
- Pay What You Wish hours on Saturdays- 4 to 6 pm (free admission on select Saturdays)
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Tickets:
- Adults- $25
- Students and Seniors (65+)- $18
- Members and children under 12- free
Special Mention: Modern and contemporary art
Designed by: Pritzker-prize winning architect Frank Gehry
3. Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi: Discover the Legacy of a Visionary Leader
The Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi will offer a captivating learning experience about Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his unification of the UAE, and the country's history and global connections. The museum will feature diverse exhibits, extensive research, and an outreach program, with six permanent galleries and an outdoor garden. The museum will feature six permanent galleries and an outdoor garden, ensuring a comprehensive visitor experience. The museum is located in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. The museum's oldest object is a fossil of a 70-million-year-old rudist clam, an ancient marine creature found in the Tethys Sea coral reefs. The fossil, along with a stone, provides evidence of the first humans in the region and their use of Paleolithic stone tools over 300,000 years ago. The other artifact of the museum includes the pearl from Marawah, which is one of the earliest ever found.
Location: Al Saadiyat Island - Cultural District - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday- 10 am to 6:30 pm
- Friday to Sunday- 10 am to 8:30 pm
- Monday- Closed
Current Status: Under Construction
Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi Tickets: 5$ per guest
Special Mention: Historical artifacts
Designed by: Foster + Partners
4. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: Unearth the Wonders of Earth's Past and Present
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, located in Saadiyat Cultural District, will showcase rare natural history specimens and serve as a scientific research and teaching institution. The museum aims to ignite a lifelong passion for the natural world in visitors of all ages. Visitors will travel through time and space, from the beginning of the universe to a thought-provoking perspective on Earth's future. The museum will undertake studies in zoology, paleontology, geology, marine biology, molecular research, entomology, and earth sciences. The museum's galleries will take visitors on an inspirational journey back to the beginning of time, narrating the evolution of our universe, Earth's formation, and the history of life on our planet. The museum, covering over 35,000 sqm, will be completed by the end of 2025.
Location: GCM9+884 - Al Saadiyat Island - Cultural District - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Will be announced soon
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi Tickets: Free
Special Mention: Related to the Nature
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5. Emirates National Auto Musuem: Rev Up Your Passion for Automotive Marvels
The Emirates National Auto Museum in Al Dhafra is among the best museums in Abu Dhabi with a unique collection of over 200 cars owned by Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan. The museum offers a glimpse into the rich automotive history of the UAE. The museum features vintage cars, luxury vehicles, and custom creations, each reflecting the passion for innovation and design. Visitors can also enjoy photo opportunities before entering the museum, including the retired passenger jet and world's largest model jeep. Inside, visitors can find off-road vehicles, classic American cars, and the Sheikh's Mercedes rainbow collection. If you are a fan of the BBC television program “Top Gear”, you will also appreciate the familiar cars.
Location: South of Abu Dhabi, Hamim Road, Off E11, Al Dhafra - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: Everyday 9 am to 5 pm
Emirates National Auto Museum Abu Dhabi Tickets: AED 50 for adults, and Free for kids under 10 years
Special Mention: Rare and unusual automobiles
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6. Women Handicraft Center: Celebrating Craftsmanship, Empowering Artisans
The Women's Handicraft Center in Al Mushrif, UAE, showcases Emirati women's artistic prowess through traditional embroidery, weaving, and textile arts. The center preserves age-old techniques and promotes cultural exchange. Visitors can witness the intricate process of creating handwoven textiles and purchase unique souvenirs at this famous museum in Abu Dhabi. The center also features a small museum, a shop, and workshops where female artists display Arabian oils, handmade souvenirs, incense, local dress, silver thread work, and weaving. Visitors are encouraged to remove their shoes before entering and ask for photography permission. A simple henna design can be painted on a visitor's hand, lasting about two weeks.
Location: General Women's Union
Address: C9RQ+6XC - Al Mushrif - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday- 9 am to 3 pm
- Thursday- 9 am to 1 pm
- Friday to Sunday- Closed
Women Handicraft Center Abu Dhabi Tickets: AED 5
Special Mention: Handicrafts made by women
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7. Al Ain Classic Car Museum: Journey Through the Ages of Automotive Excellence
The Al Ain Classic Car Museum in Abu Dhabi is among the best places to visit in UAE for car enthusiasts, offering an impressive collection of vintage cars from Rolls-Royce to Ford. The museum also provides informative books about the history and evolution of transportation in the UAE. In addition to displaying classic cars, the museum offers maintenance and preservation services by a team of professionals. Located in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi's lush garden city, the museum combines history and style, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting vehicles. Established by Captain Rashid Mohammad Al Tamimi, the museum started as a small collection of personal and member cars in 2009 and has grown to a 2,000-square-meter air-conditioned building. The museum is perfect for seasoned petrol-heads and those with only a fleeting interest in automobile antiquities.
Location: Alain classic cars museum - Ain Al Faydah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday- 9 AM and 5 PM
- Monday- 12 am to 7 pm
Al Ain Classic Car Museum Abu Dhabi Tickets:
- Adults – AED 15
- Children between 5 to 15 years – AED 5
- Entry children under 5- Free
Special Mention: Vintage and classic cars
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8. Folklore Gallery: Preserving Traditions, Inspiring Narratives
The Folklore Gallery is a popular Abu Dhabi art museum for those interested in local artists' classic works. Despite its small size, it offers a glimpse into the city's culture. The main purpose of the gallery is to offer a platform to talented artists of all nationalities who display their art in hotels, art galleries, and community events. Folklore Gallery is a leader in encouraging new artists to follow their passion. Based in Khalidyah, the gallery offers affordable artwork and a high-quality range of frames sourced from Italy and Spain. Visitors should visit in the afternoon and be guided by a knowledgeable guide to explore the collection. The gallery is strictly prohibited from touching any items and visitors are advised not to carry eatables inside. Overall, the gallery is artistically arranged and well-designed, making it an excellent choice for Abu Dhabi holidayers.
Location: Al Khalidiyah - W9 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday- 9 am to 2 pm, 9 pm to 11 pm
- Friday- Closed
Folklore Museum Abu Dhabi Tickets: AED
Special Mention: Artifacts reflecting local folklore
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Most of the museums in Abu Dhabi offer a rich tapestry of cultural and historical experiences, showcasing the emirate's diverse heritage. From the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi to the immersive exhibitions at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Museum, visitors are treated to a journey through time and artistry. Not only this but the modern art museums and the car museums also get a glimpse of the artistic richness of UAE. From Emirati heritage to the borrowed artifacts from other museums from across the globe, these Abu Dhabi museums, have turned into a testament of blended cultures. On your visit to these museums with our Abu Dhabi tour packages, dive deep in the ocean of treasures.
Best Museums in Abu Dhabi FAQs
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a cultural landmark known for its universal art collection, showcasing the shared stories of humanity through diverse artworks and artifacts from various cultures and periods.
The museum is expected to open in 2025 but the opening date for Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is yet to be announced. Stay tuned for updates on the museum's completion and opening schedule..
At the Women's Handicraft Center, visitors can experience the rich tradition of Emirati handicrafts created by local women, including traditional clothing, intricate embroidery, and handmade artifacts.
The Folklore Gallery features a diverse collection of artifacts reflecting the cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi, including traditional costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, and historical objects.
The museum houses over 600 world-renowned masterpieces, each with a unique story, including Leonardo da Vinci's "La Belle Ferronnière," Vincent Van Gogh's "Self-portrait," Jacques-Louis David's "Napoleon Crossing the Alps," Claude Monet's "La gare Saint-Lazare," and Osman Hamdi Bey's "A Young Emir Studying."
Abu Dhabi boasts of many museums that showcase heritage treasures, artifacts, paintings, statues, handicrafts etc. Few of the museums in Abu Dhabi are:
- Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
- Zayed National Museum
- Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
- Emirates National Auto Musuem
Zayed National Museum is distinctive for its focus on the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, honoring the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE.
Here are some travel tips of Abu Dabi for a hassle-free holiday:
- Respect the culture and traditions
- Carry your sunglasses and sunscreen
- Indulge in adventure activities
- Don’t miss savoring traditional food
- Visit between April and May or from September to October
