The Ultimate Guide To 19 Must-Visit Museums In Dubai 2024
Last updated on October 6th, 2024 at 11:54 am
Do you want to know which museums in Dubai are the most impressive? Then, you’ve come to the correct location because the city offers a lot of fascinating things to visit besides its futuristic style and world-record landmarks!
This city has some of the most intriguing, weird, and strange museums you’ll ever see. If you enjoy art, history, and science, several museums in Dubai are dedicated to all these subjects and more.
Please keep reading to find out about some of the most excellent museums in Dubai and their locations, timings and important facts.
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01. 3D World Dubai Trick Art Selfie Museum
The 3D World Selfie Museum Dubai is an outstanding museum that offers visitors an interactive and engaging experience. With over 185 diverse 3D art installations, the museum allows you to take extraordinary photos and make unforgettable memories.
These interactive exhibits and installations utilize optical illusions and perspective tricks to create stunning 3D effects, enabling visitors to capture unique and captivating selfies.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy the playful and fun design of the exhibits, which encourages creativity and imagination in creating photos and selfies.
The 3D World Selfie Museum Dubai promises a remarkable experience that will leave visitors with lasting memories.
Location
Sheikh Zayed Road, Between 2nd & 3rd interchange
(near Natuzzi Showroom) Dubai
Timing
Daily: 10.00 AM – 08 .00 PM
Last admission 07.00 PM
Best time to visit
Visit early in the morning so you can take selfies without distractions.
The time needed to look around
2 – 3 hours for a family of four
Contact
+971 50 987 6511
+971 4 228 63 93
Ticket Price
Adult: 95 AED
Children ( 3 – 11 years ) 65 AED
Children under three years of free
Nearby restaurant
Hessa Almadina Restaurant
02. AL Shindagha Museum
Al Shindagha Museum Dubai is dedicated to preserving Dubai’s rich cultural heritage. Located in the historic Al Shindagha district, the museum is in a beautifully restored traditional Emirati house that dates back to the early 20th century.
The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life and traditions of the Emirati people. It features exhibits showcasing the city’s social and cultural life in the early 20th century, including the Emirati’s traditional costumes and jewellery.
One of the museum’s highlights is an interactive exhibit that allows visitors to experience a simulation of a pearl diving expedition, a significant income source for the people of Dubai in the early 20th century. Another exhibit showcases the history of Dubai, from a small fishing village to a thriving metropolis.
Visitors can explore the various rooms of the house, including the majlis, bedrooms, and kitchen, and learn about the customs and traditions of the Emirati people. In addition, the home features traditional architectural features such as wind towers, courtyards, and decorative wooden screens.
Overall, the Al Shindagha Museum Dubai is a fascinating destination that provides insight into Dubai’s rich history and culture.
Location
Al Shindagha Neighborhood
Timing
Wednesday – Monday: 10.00 AM – 08.00 PM
Tuesday Closed
Time needed to look around
Two hours
Contact
+971 80033222
Ticket Price
Adults 50 AED
Student (5 – 24 years) 20 AED
Group Ticket ( 5 persons and above) 40 AED PP
Children under five years is Free
Nearby restaurant
01.Bait Al Jeyran Restaurant
02. The cafe
03. Coins Museum
The Coin Museum is devoted to the origins and evolution of UAE and regional currencies. The museum contains a collection of 470 coins, currency notes, and other financial instruments from the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern nations.
The museum has eight rooms, each showcasing a unique collection of historic coins. The first room is dedicated to the museum management.
The second room exhibits the history of money, while the third room features 16 Sasanid Arabized Dirhams from the reign of Rashidun Khilafat and Umayyad Khilafat.
In the fourth room, visitors can view 64 Dinars and Dirhams used during the Umayyad Khilafat, spanning from the reign of Khalifah Abdul Malik bin Marwan to the end of its last Khalifah Marwan bin Mohammad in 132 Hijri.
The fifth room displays 115 pieces from the Abbasid Khilafat, covering the period from the reign of the founder of the Abbasid Khilafat, Khalifah Abu Al-Abbas As-Saffah, to the end of its last Khalifah Al Mu’tasim Bellah.
The sixth room showcases 45 pieces of money used in Egypt, the Levant and Turkey during the reigns of Tulunids, Ikhshihidids, Fatimids, Mamluks and Ottoman Khilafat. Additionally, it has 91 coins from Iraq and Muslim Mashriq, including those from the states of Buyids, Samanids, Seljuqs and Saffarids.
In the seventh room, visitors can see 22 pieces of North African and Al Andalus coins, including those from Ummayad state, Aghlabid and Zirids.
Finally, the eighth room houses 102 coins from the Arabian Peninsula and the United Arab Emirates, including those from the Rasi, Ziadi, Salihi, Zarei, and Rasoli states, as well as other coins currently in use in the region.
Location
Off Al Fahidi Street, Al Fahidi, Dubai.
Timing
Sunday to Thursday : 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Friday and Saturday Closed
The time needed to look around
One hour
Contact
+971 4 392 0093
Ticket Price
Entrance Free
Nearby restaurant
Arabian Tea House
Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant
04. Coffee Museum
This is a one-of-a-kind museum for coffee enthusiasts, and it is the largest coffee museum in the Middle East, located in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Heritage District.
It displays a diverse collection of vintage antique coffee-making machines representing regional and international coffee history and culture.
You will be able to sample a variety of regional coffee types, including the local Arabic style, Ethiopian style, Japanese style, and others.
Location
Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya – Dubai
Timing
Sunday – Thursday: 09.00 AM- 05.00 PM
Closed on Friday
The time needed to look around
One hour and thirty minutes
Contact
+971 4 353 8777
05. Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum is the city’s oldest museum and one of the oldest buildings in Dubai, and it houses a significant quantity of local history.
The structure was constructed in the late 18th century as a fort to safeguard Dubai against foreign invaders. It served as the ruler’s house until 1896, then as a jail before becoming a museum in 1971.
The museum’s purpose is to provide a thorough history of Arab daily life before the oil boom; the lower levels have hundreds of figurines showing marketplaces, houses, pearl divers, and other subjects.
There’s also a section devoted entirely to archaeological discoveries from the region, some of which date back over 4000 years.
Location
Al Fahidi St, Bur Dubai – Opposite Grand Mosque – Dubai
Timing
Saturday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Fridays 2:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Best time to visit
During the morning hours when crowds are less
Time needed to look around
02 – 03 Hours
Contact
+971 800 33222
Ticket Price
Adults: 03 AED
Children under six: One AED
Nearby restaurant
Mumbai Masti Juice Center
Milan Maruti Restaurant
06. Etihad Museum
The Etihad museum is in the same place where, in 1971, the seven rulers of the seven Emirates met in the Meeting Room and declared the United Arab Emirates.
Inside the museum, you’ll find photos, videos, and interactive displays that show the country’s social and cultural history, as well as artefacts from the country’s founding fathers.
The main focus of the Etihad museum is on the years 1968 to 1974, which were very important for the country as it moved towards the modern phase.
Location
Jumeirah St. Cross of 2nd December St.
Timing
Daily 10.00 AM- 08.00 PM
Last entry 07.00 PM
Time needed to look around
One hours and Thirty minutes
Contact
80033222
TICKETS PRICE
Adult (25+ years): 25 AED
Student (5-24 years): 10 AED
Child (0-4 years): Free
Nearby restaurants
There is a small cafe located inside the museum
Important Tip
- If your taxi driver doesn’t recognise the Etihad museum name, tell him it is a Union house.
- Even though the beautifully designed building and inside visually displays history, it is not the most exciting museum in Dubai, especially if you are travelling with little children.
- During the school holidays, you may encounter school children groups
07. Foundry Downtown Dubai
Art enthusiasts will admire this innovative, modern art museum in Dubai, symbolising the UAE’s growing and ever-changing cultural environment. Foundry Downtown Dubai has some of the top art galleries in Dubai.
Location
Boulevard Crescent – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
Timing
Daily: 10.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Nearby restaurant
A cafe located inside the museum
Ticket Price
Free
08. Infinity Des Lumières
Infinity Des Lumières art gallery is located inside the Dubai Mall. In contrast to other art galleries in the emirate, it does not conventionally exhibit art. Instead, this gallery provides a fully immersive experience for visitors using high-tech projectors and speakers.
Location
Dubai Mall
Timing
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Time needed to look around
One hour and fifteen minutes
Ticket Price
Adults (18+ years) : 150 AED
Children ( 3 – 17 years ): 90 AED
Children under 3 years free
Last entry one hour before closing time
09. Louvre Abu Dhabi
This world-class museum opened in 2017.
One of the most striking features of the museum is a giant colossal dome of over 7800 metals that beautifully filters the sunlight creating unique light and shadow inside the museum.
Louvre has more than 600 works of art and artefacts, including the work of the world’s most celebrated artists.
Visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi is an absolute must for everyone, especially those seeking an unparalleled experience.
Location
Saadiyat Island – Abu Dhabi
Timing
Tuesday – Thursday: 10 am – 6.30 pm
Friday- Sunday: 10 am – 8.30 pm
Closed: Mondays
Time needed to look around
2- 3 Hours
Ticket Price
Adult 18+ : 63 AED
Teachers, faculty members and UAE military: 31.50 AED
Under 18 : Free
children under 13 should be accompanied by an adult at all times
Entrance to the Dome is Free
Nearby restaurant
Museum cafe
Aptitude cafe
Art Lounge
Fouquets
Martha Bar
10. Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is the new trendiest museum with a unique building and an innovative and cutting-edge museum showcasing the latest scientific and technological developments.
Situated in the heart of Dubai, the museum provides visitors with a preview of the future of various fields, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable energy.
Location
The Museum of the Future is located directly adjacent to Jumeirah Emirates Towers in Dubai.
Timing
Daily 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM
The last admission is one hour before closing.
Read the complete guided tour of the Museum of the Future.
11. Museum of Illusions
Be prepared, your eyes tricked and your mind fooled by the interactive installations at the Museum of Illusions. Ideal for families with little children, even adults can enjoy and take many unforgettable and unique images.
Location
Bld. 17, Heritage Area, Al Seef, Dubai.
Timing
Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 10 AM – 11 PM (and Public Holidays)
Best time to visit
Weekday morning Time
The time needed to look around
One hour
Ticket price
Adult: AED 80
Student/Senior: AED 70
Child (5-15 years): AED 60
Child (below 5 years): FREE
Family (2 adults + 2 children): AED 225
Family & Friends (5 tickets – adults or kids): AED 340
Nearby restaurant
The M Restaurant
Yugo
Angelina Paris
Contact
+971 4 357 3999
12. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is a renowned wax museum with origins in London and locations around the world.
The famous museum has also arrived in Dubai, on BlueWaters Island. Madame Tussauds Dubai features numerous life-size wax statues.
The attraction features over sixty statues of prominent international athletes, cinema actors, political leaders, and well-known Arab figures.
Location
Bluewaters Island – Dubai
Timing
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 pm – 08:00 pm
Friday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 09:00 pm.
The time needed to look around
One hour 30 minutes
Contact
+971 4 873 3042
Nearby restaurant
DRVN by Porche
Clay Dubai
Mado
Ticket Price
Adult: 145 AED
Children (3 – 11 years) : 120 AED
Children under 3 years free
For AED 350, you can purchase the Exclusive Fame Experience for a more detailed tour.
The VIP ticket includes a 90-minute guided tour with entertaining facts and insights into creating the figures with digital photographs, gifts, and a museum guidebook.
13. Naif Museum
The Naif Museum is in a fort that used to be Dubai’s police headquarters and prison. It offers an enthralling glimpse into the past and progression of Dubai’s Police Force and the city’s legal system.
You can see how police uniforms have changed from traditional clothes to modern ones and how weapons and equipment have changed since the Dubai Police Force was founded in 1956.
Location
Naif Police Station, Naif St, Naif – Dubai
Timing
Monday – Thursday: 08.00 AM – 03.00 PM
Friday 08.00 AM- 11.30 AM
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
The time needed to look around
2 – 3 hours
Contact
+971 800 33222
Ticket price
Free
Nearby restaurant
MARFA AL NOOR RESTAURANT
14. OliOli – Dubai’s First Experiential Play Museum
At OliOli, children aged two to eleven can unleash the power of constructive play and their imagination. The interactive play museum in Al Quoz consists of eight galleries spanning two levels. Children can have joy and learn in these designated spaces:
Each gallery provides an immersive sensory experience and has been meticulously designed with art and modern equipment, drawing inspiration from the ideas of the world’s foremost educators, developmental psychologists, artists, and fabricators. In addition, there are 45 interactive exhibits for children to explore.
Location
62 4 A St, Al Quoz, Dubai
Timing
Daily 09.00 AM – 06.00 PM
Contact
+971 4 702 7300
Nearby restaurant
Al Ghala Cafeteria
Ticket Price
Two Hour Experience
Child (2-16 years): AED 139
Toddler (12-23 months): AED 69
Three Hour Experience
Child (4-16 years): AED 179
With every child, one parent can enter free
15. Pearl Museum
The museum exhibits a comprehensive collection of information relating to the practice of pearl diving in Dubai before the discovery of oil.
You can see the difficulties that pearl divers encounter and the different processes involved in collecting and exchanging these precious treasures.
The centrepiece, of course, is the genuine pearl collection, which takes your breath away. The museum is also dedicated to historical coins and currencies used in Gulf countries.
Furthermore, you get rewarded with some of the most excellent views of Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai and Deira areas.
Important Tip
You need to get a prior appointment before visiting the museum.
Location
15th floor of the Emirates National Bank headquarters, Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai.
Timing
Monday – Friday: 08.00 AM – 04.00 PM
Saturday and Sunday closed.
Time needed to look around
One Hour
16. Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeology Museum
This magnificent Dubai museum is dedicated to one of the Emirate’s most important archaeological sites, the Saruq al Hadid excavation site in the Rub Al Khali desert.
Hundreds of artefacts from prior civilizations, including ancient weaponry and jewellery, are housed in the Saruq al Hadid Museum. Several of these things are thought to be almost three millennia old!
If you bring youngsters, they can unleash their inner archaeologist at the museum’s mock dig site.
Location
located in the historical Shindagha District Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi
Timing
Sunday – Wednesday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday and Thursday. 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fridays Closed.
The time needed to look around
One hour
Contact
+971-4-359-5612
Ticket Price
Adults 20 AED
Children between 7- 12 years 10 AED
Children under 7 Free
Nearby restaurant
The Café
Bait Al Jeyran Restaurant
Heritage of Nepal Restaurant and Cafe
17. Children’s City
The Children’s City in Dubai is the first educational city for kids ages 2 to 15. It is a place where kids can study, play, find, and learn about our world. It has a nature centre, a space research centre, a human body centre, a computer and communication centre, a planetarium, a section on how we live, a foreign culture section, and an area for toddlers.
The children will be busy with activities the whole time there.
While they play, they will learn about the customs of different countries and regions. For example, the animals live in the UAE, and the human body, science, and everything there is to know about galaxies when they go to the planetarium.
Location
Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai
Timing
Monday – Friday: 09.00 AM – 08.00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 02.00 PM – 08.00 PM
Ticket Counter closes 07.30 PM
During Ramadan
Monday – Friday: 09.00 AM – 04.00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 11.00 AM – 04.00 PM
Ticket Counter closes 03.30 PM
Ticket Price
Children (2-15 years): 10 AED
Adults 16 Years and over: 15 AED
Family (2 Children and 2 adults): 40 AED
Children under 2 years old: Free
