Joanna James
While Dubai is known for its eye-catching modern infrastructure, world-class shopping experiences and unforgettable entertainment experiences, the city is also home to a series of unique museums that tell of its deep history, rich culture and mesmerising art. If you’re looking to learn about the culture, history and art of Dubai and its surrounding areas, here are some of the unique museums to visit in the city.
The Etihad Museum carries the entire history of the United Arab Emirates and is the place to be for history buffs. Fittingly located at the spot where the UAE was founded in 1971, the museum features several pavilions that each display unique exhibits. Visitors are encouraged to go through each pavilion as they contain information about the history and current context of the UAE, provided through various materials like artwork, interactive maps and various sayings from the founding fathers of the region.
Located in the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood and about an hour's drive from Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort and various other luxury residences in Dubai, this museum gives visitors a glimpse of the various monetary systems from the past. It contains around 470 rare coins used from different historical periods of the Middle East and explains links between the monetary systems of the British Empire, India and other countries. The coins are set within display cabinets that feature magnifying screens and touch screens that reveal useful information on individual coins such as their date of minting and metal composition.
As one of the few of its kind in the region, this museum admirably honours the work of several influential women in the region, from their societal contributions, academic and commercial achievements as well as their contributions to art and literature. Several galleries showcase specific works or exhibits including artistic work by female artists from around the UAE and various pieces of writing and imagery that tell of the renowned poet Ousha Bint Khalifa. The museum also features a women’s studies centre and a perfume gift shop that makes use of traditional Arabian fragrances.
For a truly unique museum experience, you can visit the Infinity des Lumieres, which features technology, music and artificial intelligence in its visual displays. The goal of the museum is to give visitors an immersive experience by revolutionising the way art is created and viewed. The museum has also featured works by well-known artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Antoni Gaudi and Paul Klee.
This is yet another of Dubai’s museums that treats its visitors to a truly unique experience. As its name implies, the museum makes you question everything you see through a range of more than 60 exhibits, each of which blends and distorts your perception and upends your sense of equilibrium. The museum offers a range of interesting optical illusions where you can watch your companion grow extremely tall or short within the Ames room, or enjoy a game of cards with six versions of yourself at the Clone Table.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
