The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will officially open to the public on 22 November in the Saadiyat Cultural District, marking a major cultural milestone for the capital. As the largest natural history museum in the region, it invites visitors to explore the story of life on Earth through an Arabian lens and engage in discussions about the planet’s past, present and future.
A Journey Through Time
Spanning 35,000 square metres, the museum takes guests on an immersive journey across 13.8 billion years of natural history. From the Big Bang and the formation of our solar system to the evolution of life and the extraordinary biodiversity of today’s planet, every gallery tells part of Earth’s vast story.
Iconic Exhibits
Among the highlights is Stan, the nearly complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex that roamed the Earth 67 million years ago. Visitors will also encounter a magnificent 25-metre blue whale specimen and the Murchison Meteorite, which contains 7-billion-year-old grains predating our solar system.
Arabian Natural Heritage
The natural history of the Arabian Peninsula forms a central part of the museum’s narrative. Among the discoveries showcased is the extinct species Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, an ancient elephant once native to Abu Dhabi, known for its unique upper and lower tusks. This discovery highlights the region’s rich geological and biological past.
Architectural Design and Visitor Experience
Designed by the world-renowned architecture firm Mecanoo, the museum’s structure emerges from Saadiyat Island’s landscape like a natural rock formation. Inside, visitors will find permanent galleries including The Story of Earth, The Evolving World, Our World, Resilient Planet, and Earth’s Future, alongside interactive experiences in The PalaeoLab, Life Sciences Lab, and Arabia’s Climate.
Opening Exhibitions
To celebrate its launch, the museum will host two international exhibitions: The March of the Triceratops, featuring the world’s only touring Triceratops herd, and the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year, a globally renowned nature photography showcase.
A Cultural Landmark for Abu Dhabi
H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said:
“The opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi marks a major milestone in our journey to shape the emirate’s cultural landscape. The museum offers an immersive look at the story of life on Earth, framed for the first time through an Arabian lens, with the fauna, flora, and geological history of the region forming a prominent part of the visitor journey. The museum’s research and educational institution supports scientific knowledge and undertakes innovative scientific studies in zoology, palaeontology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences. By fostering engagement with the natural sciences, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi inspires future generations and contributes to a more sustainable future.”
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi joins the distinguished community of institutions within the Saadiyat Cultural District, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and the upcoming Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the area as a global centre for knowledge, creativity and cultural exchange.
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