Visiting museums usually doesn’t top your list of travel activities? This extraordinary place will change your mind, as instead of relics of the past locked behind glass, it offers a projection of life decades into the future.
The Museum of the Future is one of Dubai’s most famous and newest attractions. Opened in 2022 by the Dubai Future Foundation, it is located along the city’s Sheikh Zayed Road and has quickly become a major landmark. It’s one of the most extraordinary places not just in the country, but globally. After all, few museums focus on science and technology with an eye toward the future, exploring possibilities for development rather than focusing on history or the present.
An Extraordinary Building Design
You don’t even need to step inside the museum to sense that it houses something remarkable. This unique structure is impossible to miss, defying traditional ideas of architecture and resembling more of a giant sculpture. But believe it or not, inside it holds six floors of full-sized exhibition spaces.
Not only has the building become an integral part of Dubai’s skyline, but it also sets new innovative standards and immediately evokes thoughts of futuristic architecture. With a surface area of 17,000 m² and standing 78 meters tall, the building is clad in stainless steel, and its windows take the shape of three-dimensional Arabic calligraphy based on quotes by Dubai’s Vice President, Sheikh Mohammed. This futuristic space is not just a museum, but a kind of incubator for ideas and progress.
The Symbolism of the Museum’s Building
The exterior of the Museum of the Future is composed of three main elements, each intended to evoke different meanings. The green hill on which the museum stands symbolizes grounding in place, time, and history. Moving on, the shining, futuristic structure itself represents humanity—its strength and ability to live in harmony with its surroundings. The Arabic calligraphy elements highlight the human passion for art and creativity in a broad sense.
But that’s not all. A crucial part of the building’s design is the elliptical central void, which symbolizes the unknown and unwritten future, into which humanity symbolically gazes. This unfilled space serves as an inspiration, motivating both present and future creators. When looking at the structure as a whole, it can also resemble an eye – an eye looking toward the future.
FUN FACT: Sheikh Mohammed himself referred to the museum as “the most beautiful building in the world.” Today, these words from the UAE’s Prime Minister have become one of the institution’s main slogans. But this is not the only quote from Dubai’s ruler that is closely tied to the museum. The texts adorning its façade are also authored by him. One of the quotes reads: “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It’s not something you await, but something you create.”
Exhibits at the Museum of the Future
What can you see inside the Museum of the Future? While temporary exhibitions, usually centered around technology in various aspects of human life, are occasionally organized, it is the museum’s permanent displays that are its biggest highlight. This living museum takes you on a real journey to the year 2071. Each of its five thematic zones blends traditional exhibits with immersive, interactive theater designed to showcase the boundless possibilities of the future.
“Tomorrow” Through the Eyes of the Youngest Visitors
The first floor of the museum is specifically designed for its youngest guests. The “Future Heroes” exhibition is a space where children transform into heroes in an interactive game. Through exhibits, special tasks, and challenges, they can unleash their imagination and collect badges that encourage further play. Importantly, the museum doesn’t reward defeating monsters or winning races; instead, it honors creativity, helping others, out-of-the-box problem-solving, and trying new things.
The Future Starts Today
A little higher up, you’ll find a space dedicated to innovations and solutions that are already being used today to address global challenges. “Tomorrow Today” is an exhibition created in collaboration with partners from around the world. Its goal is to show visitors how technology is leading the planet toward a positive future. The exhibits on this floor demonstrate how artificial intelligence, robotics, and other technologies can be used to tackle environmental, social, and even political issues.
Oasis of Health
The top three floors offer a true journey 50 years into the future. At the “Oasis” exhibition, you’ll step into the future of spirituality. Through therapies using light, water, and sound, you’ll quickly be reminded of how essential health and well-being are to the distant—and not so distant—future for each of us. It’s a place where, even for a moment, you can forget about your phones and daily worries, reconnecting with your senses by following the positive vibrations.
Rescuing Nature
A few steps higher, you’ll find yourself transported into the heart of a rainforest. After all, when discussing the future, it’s hard not to mention ecology and the urgent need to preserve biodiversity. A virtual walk through the Amazon rainforest will let you observe the intricate details of life in the wild that are invisible to the naked eye. You’ll also enter a one-of-a-kind “Library of Life,” where genetic material from thousands of species is stored—some of which are on the brink of extinction. Perhaps it’s time to learn how to repair the damage caused by climate change?
The Year 2071
The museum’s highest floor will leave all those fascinated by the future of space exploration speechless. Step into a rocket-like elevator and embark on a journey to a NASA-approved space station. Here, you’ll not only see an ultra-modern model of the solar system but also discover the secrets of extraterrestrial life and interplanetary travel. And, after peering out the window, you’ll find out how the moon could be transformed into a renewable energy source for the entire planet.
A View into the Future
While exploring the interactive spaces of the Museum of the Future, don’t forget to visit its unique observation deck. The stairs on the second floor will lead you to the inner part of the “eye’s” hollow space. This is a must-stop not only for those who want a breath of fresh air and to make sure they haven’t been launched into space during their museum journey. The terrace also offers the perfect opportunity to take a closer look at the building’s extraordinary façade while being captivated by the unparalleled views of Dubai’s iconic skyline.
Tickets to the Future
Who would’ve thought that stepping into the future is as easy as purchasing a ticket? You can do so, for instance, through GetYourGuide. There’s no hassle in choosing the right ticket since the museum offers just one standard entry. There are no exclusive areas, and the exhibits are explained thoroughly enough that you won’t need a guide.
If you’re planning to explore other landmarks in Dubai, a smart option would be to get one of the special tourist passes. These passes allow savings on popular attractions for those who, alongside visiting the Museum of the Future, also want to include a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa or a visit to one of Dubai’s theme parks.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for the Museum of the Future in Dubai in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Trade Centre – Trade Centre 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
