The greatest Abu Dhabi museums and galleries are excellent resources for learning about the vibrant arts sector in the area. Reputable Emirati artists have long been actively building their reputations not only in the UAE but also abroad. World-class exhibitions of various artistic mediums, such as sculptures, paintings, films, animation, and video games, are frequently held in the city’s galleries.
A traditional desert village turned into one of the most technologically advanced cities in the world is depicted in museums in Abu Dhabi. Aside from general interest museums, there are also ones devoted to important UAE individuals, natural history, and autos. Browse through our list of the top locations to learn about Abu Dhabi’s history, culture, and art. If you wish to visit Abu Dhabi City in Dubai, contact one of the best tour and travel agencies in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The 5 Best Museums & Exhibitions in Abu Dhabi for 2022
1. Abu Dhabi’s Louvre:
One of Abu Dhabi’s most stunning art galleries is the Louvre Abu Dhabi. It was founded in 2017 and is housed in a futuristic building created by French architect Jean Nouvel on Saadiyat Island. In 23 permanent exhibition spaces totalling 8,000 square metres, more than 600 works of art are on show.
The Louvre, the Palace of Versailles, and the Musée d’Orsay are just a few of the French museums that are lending 300 pieces total. The exhibits include Chinese ceremonial vases, Ain Ghazal Neolithic figures, and Egyptian artefacts. A special children’s museum and practical workshops are also available at the Louvre Abu Dhabi for individuals looking to advance their knowledge.
2. The National Museum of Al Ain
The United Arab Emirates’ first museum was built by Shaikh Zayed bin Al Nahyan, the late president of the country. It is located in Al Ain. The museum is composed of two sections: ethnographic and archaeological. The pre-oil era of the locals’ existence is portrayed in the ethnography section. The many stages of their lives, including their birth, education, marriage, and professional careers, are also depicted. On the opposite side of the museum, archaeological artefacts from previous ages are shown in chronological order. Additionally, the museum is located on the east side of the Al Ain oasis, not far from the Murabba roundabout.
3. National Automobile Museum of the Emirates
The Emirates National Auto Museum, one of Abu Dhabi’s most well-liked tourist attractions, is well-known throughout the world for its peculiar collection of vintage cars and military relics. For the satisfaction of everyone’s eyes, whether they be car enthusiasts or not, over 200 private Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan vehicles are on exhibit here, including the Mercedes rainbow collection. The largest vehicle in the world is housed in a pyramid-shaped structure, a must-see attraction for guests of this museum complex.
4. The Museum of UAE Currency
The UAE created this distinctive museum, which takes up a sizable chunk of the bank’s ground floor, in 2013 to commemorate the Central Bank’s 40th anniversary. A sizable collection of coins and paper currency from the United Arab Emirates and other nations is also on display.
The collection is large and includes paper currency from India’s ancient past as well as gold and silver coins from the Islamic world. Take the kids here to learn about the history of trade and money in the area when you are in Abu Dhabi.
5. Zayed Heritage Center
You can learn a lot about Sheikh Zayed, the creator of the UAE, by viewing his personal items and photographs at the Zayed Heritage Center. Additionally, there are many of the late ruler’s belongings on exhibit at this intriguing Abu Dhabi museum, including his collection of preferred cars and hunting equipment.