Dubai is home to a number of storied art galleries and museums. If you are looking to explore the art and culture of Dubai, we have prepared a list of museums in Dubai that are open to visitors of all ages! Whether you are tourists or long-time residents, these museums guarantee a fun learning experience for everyone.
MUSEUMS IN DUBAI
DUBAI MUSEUM
Built in 1787, this historic museum is built within a fort. Dubai Museum is a chance for you to encounter colourful dioramas and enlightening exhibits displaying the origin of the UAE. If you’re curious about what old Dubai looked like, add this museum to your list.
This fort was once used as a monarch’s base serving as a fortified residence, prison and weapon arsenal. It was during the reign of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed that this site was renovated.
It was opened to the public in 1971 as a museum showcasing Dubai’s history. The museum will take you back in time as the galleries recreate scenes from marine life and the desert. You will also get to see the historic Arab mosques, date farms, souks and houses.
(Please note that Dubai Museum is currently closed for renovations until further notice)
- Location: Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 08:30 am – 08:30 pm | Friday 02:30 pm – 08:30 pm
- Ticket Price:
- Adult: AED 3
- Children under 6 years: AED 1
- Contact: +971-8-003-3222
SHINDAGHA MUSEUM / SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM HOUSE
Ever wondered where the vision of the Dubai we see today was first thought of? Just head to the Shindagha museum to find out. Located on the banks of the Dubai Creek, this museum gives you a chance of explore the cultural heritage of the city. It features various sections with interactive displays of photos, videos and artefacts that will take you back to the 19th century.
There is also a section called the Perfume House, where you can see the traditional methods used for making different scents. The Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, which is the oldest building in Dubai and was the official residence of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, will also be part of the new Shindagha Museum in Dubai.
Please note that the last entry at the museum is at 07:00 pm
- Location: Al Shindagha, Dubai Creek Area
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Ticket Price:
- Adult: AED 15
- Group: AED 10
- Student: AED 5
- Contact: +971-4-515-5100
SARUQ AL HADID MUSEUM
One of the best museums in Dubai in the Shindagha area to visit is Saruq Al-Hadid Museum. It is nestled between the narrow corridors of the historical districts and can be easily found thanks to all the navigational boards around the area.
The archaeological museum in UAE has artefacts from the recently discovered archaeological site of Saruq Al-Hadid, which dates back to the iron age. The Saruq Al-Hadid site was discovered in 2002 by Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as he was travelling by a chartered a flight over Rub Al-Khali desert.
There was a patch of the dessert that has a slightly different colour from the rest, which was a result of the slag created from smelting iron. Over 8,000 pieces of pottery, iron and gold were found and unearthed from this site and are now displayed at the Saruq Al Hadid Museum in Dubai.
Please keep in mind that the last ticket will be issued at 7:30 p.m.
- Location: Al Shindagha area on the Bur Dubai side of the Dubai Creek. Inside the historical district
- Timings: Daily 08:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm
- Ticket Price:
- Adult: AED 20
- Children (7 – 12 years): AED 10
- Senior citizens and children under 6: Free entry
- Contact: +971-4-359-56122
WOMEN’S MUSEUM (BAIT AL BANAT)
Our next museum on the list is the Women’s Museum. It is one of the best museums in Dubai that celebrate the lives of women of the UAE and highlight the various roles played by them for the country.
Some of the exhibits in the Bait Al Banat museum include artwork by female artists from all over the UAE and personal belongings of the women in the past. You can find this museum in the heart of the Gold Souk. Just locate the RAK Bank building and follow the narrow pathways to the area behind it, you’ll be able to find the Women’s Museum.
- Location: Old Gold Souq
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 am – 06:00 pm (Closed on Fridays)
- Ticket Price: AED 20
- Contact: +971-4-234-2342
HISTORY OF CINEMA MUSEUM
This Dubai museum features over 300 unique photo and video artefacts that were collected over 35 years by Bahraini/Lebanese businessman, Mr Akram Miknas.
All the items in this museum date back to the the1730s and offers visitors an interactive experience of the history of cinema. For guided tours, you can contact the museum but make sure to book in advance. They also host private parties, meetings and conferences, birthday parties and other special events.
- Location: MCN Hive Building, 1st Floor, TECOM C
- Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm (Closed on Fridays)
- Ticket Price:
- Adult (18 years and above): AED 30
- Children and High School Students: AED 20
- University Students: AED 25 (Please note that a valid university ID is required)
- Contact: +971-4-421-6679
ETIHAD MUSEUM
The next one on our list of museums in Dubai is the Etihad Museum. Here, tourists and residents can visit to explore the UAE’s rich history. It is divided into multiple interactive pavilions where there are photos and films of how the country was between 1968 and 1974.
You can also catch snapshots of the founding fathers and even see some of their personal belongings. It is amongst the best museums in Dubai located in the heart of Jumeirah and is the same historical site as the Union House, where the first constitution was signed in 1971.
The Etihad museum takes the last of the visitors at 07:00 pm so be sure to reach by then. The guided tours are also hosted daily between 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm.
- Location: Jumeirah St. Cross of 2nd December St.
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Ticket Price:
- Adult: AED 25
- Group: AED 20
- Children and People of Determination: Free
- Student: AED 10
- Contact: +971-4-515-5100
MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
If you’re willing to be fascinated and blown away at the same time, you must visit the Museum of Illusions Dubai. Our list of best museums in Dubai is incomplete without this artistic site. Being one of the new museums in Dubai, it features more than 60 visual and educational exhibits including optical illusions, holograms, and immersive rooms.
Each of the exhibits at the Museum of Illusions is designed to tease your senses and trick your mind. The only challenge? Deciding what to do first! You can navigate through their Vortex Tunnel where you’ll get to learn about balancing your senses. Or if you love a good puzzle, why not solve their Dilemma games?
- Location: Building 17, Heritage Area, Al Seef
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Ticket Price:
- Adult: AED 80
- Family (2 Adults and 2 Children): AED 225
- Family and Friends (5 tickets including adults and children): AED 320
- Children (5-15 years): AED 60
- Children below 5 years: Free
- Students and Seniors: AED 70
- Contact: +971-4-357-3999
COFFEE MUSEUM
If you happen to be around Bastakiya in the Al Fahidi area, make sure to visit the Coffee Museum Dubai. This is one of the free-entry museums where you can explore the history of coffee and the different brewing and roasting methods used in the past. This also happens to be amongst the best free kids activities in Dubai.
- Location: Villa 44, Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bastakiya
- Timings: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (closed on Fridays)
- Ticket Price: Free
- Contact: +971-4-353-8777 | +971-4-353-8666
COIN MUSEUM
Another great museum in Dubai with free entry is the Coins Museum. It is located in the same area as the Coffee Museum, so if you are in the area, you can make a quick stop here too.
Visitors have the chance to view over 470 pieces of rare coins that date back to various historical eras. Exploring the free museums in Bur Dubai like this one also gives you a chance to see the old architecture used in traditional desert homes in the UAE.
- Location: Al Fahidi Neighbourhood
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 08:00 am – 03:00 pm | Friday 08:00 am – 11:30 am | Closed on Saturday and Sunday
- Coin Museum Ticket Price: Free
- Contact: +971-4-225-3312
NAIF MUSEUM
The building that is now the Naif Museum was built in 1939 entirely with clay and was the first police station in Dubai.
Over here visitors can see how police uniforms have evolved over time. You will also get to see the weapons, medals and badges of ranks of the Dubai Police Force. Have you ever thought of having a first-hand look at detention rooms for prisoners? If yes, then don’t forget to make a stop at Naif Museum.
- Location: Naif Police Station, Naif St
- Timings: Open daily 08:00 am – 02:00 pm | Closed on Friday and Saturday
- Ticket Price: Free
- Contact: +971-8-003-3222
MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE
The Museum of the Future is a familiar sight for those travelling along Sheikh Zayed Road near Emirates Towers. This is a new museum in Dubai and it does not display the past, but instead, focuses on innovations of the future.
Not only is it an architectural feat but it also acts as an accessory of the future. Tomorrow Today exhibit at this museum lets you explore the near-future technologies from the world’s leading innovators.
Or you can Journey to the Future where an expansive environment is featured to engage all your senses. The Museum of Future is an ideal place to take your kids. Future Heroes is a dedicated space within the museum for children to encourage learning through play.
- Location: Adjacent to Jumeirah Emirates Towers
- Timings: Open Daily 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Ticket Price:
- 3 years and above: AED 145
- For children under 3 years: Free
- Contact: +971-4-800-2071
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE THE BEST INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI?
For indoor activities in Dubai, consider visiting Dubai Autodrome, TEPFactor and 3D Blacklight Minigolf.
WHICH IS THE BEST MUSEUM IN DUBAI FOR CHILDREN?
The Museum of Future in Dubai offers an immersive experience for children.
ARE THERE ANY OTHERS THAT MY FAMILY WILL LOVE?
Apart from these, you can also visit Madame Tussauds in Dubai, an iconic wax museum with roots in London.
That concludes this list of all museums in Dubai. If you’re looking for some more fun activities, have a quick look at adrenaline-pumping extreme activities in Dubai.
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