4 New Museum Openings To Know About
ZAYED NATIONAL MUSEUM
UAE
Located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, this stunning new museum is a tribute to the UAE’s founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–2004). Designed by the global studio Foster + Partners, the Zayed National Museum is made up of five steel structures shaped like falcon wings that double as thermal chimneys for cooling the six galleries across two floors. On display will be over 300,000 years of Emirati history through ancient artefacts, including one of the world’s oldest natural pearls, the Blue Qur’an, and much more. The museum is set to open in December 2025 and aims to be more than just a museum, acting as a cultural cornerstone for the UAE, cherishing its past, while looking firmly toward its future.
Not To Be Missed
A major highlight of the Zayed National Museum is the 18-metre reconstruction of a Bronze-Age Magan boat, boldly displayed in the museum’s atrium –so you literally can’t miss it. The full-scale vessel offers a striking look back at the UAE’s ancient connection to the sea and was built using traditional reed and palm-fibre techniques.
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GUGGENHEIM ABU DHABI
UAE
Designed by the groundbreaking architect Frank Gehry, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a museum of modern and contemporary art in the region. The architectural feat is made up of cone-like forms inspired by the UAE's wind towers and open-air courtyards. The museum will be the largest of all the Guggenheim Museums, exceeding the renowned Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain. This museum will showcase art from around the globe in a variety of media, produced since the turn of the 1960s, with a special focus on pieces from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. Expect a well-curated mix of painting, sculpture, installation, film, photography and performance, along with new commissions and site-specific works that respond directly to the space. Located in the UAE capital, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to open late 2025 and will be part of the Saadiyat Cultural District and offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf.
Not To Be Missed
An exhibition that cannot be missed will be the expansive solo exhibition by renowned American artist Rashid Johnson – ‘A Poem For Deep Thinkers’. The exhibit will feature over 90 works—ranging from performances to installations and promises to be a highlight of the museum’s early programming.
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GRAND EGYPTIAN MUSEUM
Egypt
Located just outside Cairo, with a backdrop of the iconic Giza Pyramids, spanning roughly 500,000 square meters, the Grand Egyptian Museum is dedicated solely to ancient Egyptian civilization. Showcasing over 100,000 artefacts, including the complete King Tutankhamun collection, 3,200-year-old statues, the restored Khufu solar boat and a Royal Mummies gallery. The new museum, considered the largest in the world, is designed by Heneghan Peng Architects and features an alabaster stone façade, shaped like a chamfered triangle. The massive structure hosts permanent exhibition galleries, temporary exhibitions, special exhibitions, and a children’s museum. The full public opening is set for November 1st, 2025.
Not To Be Missed
Visitors can not visit this museum without seeing the recreation of the Tomb Chapel of Khnumhotep II & Queen Hetepheres’ treasures. Exploration is key when viewing the recreated Middle Kingdom tomb chapel, and for those who love jewellery, can marvel at the divine accessories and furniture from Queen Hetepheres, the mother of King Khufu. The Hanging Obelisk of Ramesses II near the entrance of the museum is also a fascinating sight to see.
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NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM ABU DHABI
UAE
Designed by Dutch architecture studio Mecanoo - inspired by the curves and textures of natural rock formations - the striking 35,000 sqm Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is poised to become a global destination for science, education, and captivating storytelling. Set to open at the end of 2025 in Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, the futuristic space will take visitors on a time-travelling journey from the origins of the universe to imagining what Earth will be like in the future. The museum will also house a collection of rare artefacts – including 'Stan', one of the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons, and the 7-billion-year-old Murchison meteorite – alongside a cutting-edge scientific research centre. With a spotlight on education and future innovation, this museum is designed to spark wonder and curiosity in all its guests.
Not To Be Missed
Along with famous T. rex ‘Stan’, the stegotetrabelodon syrticus (four-tusked elephant), an ancient family member of the elephant that roamed the earth about 7 million years ago, will also be on display, along with authentic fossils from the Baynunah Formation – a geological formation in the western region of what is now Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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