Dubai’s Museum of the Future is set to close its doors to the public in mid‑September, giving locals a chance to squeeze in a final visit before the overhaul begins. The museum will stay open with its current experiences until work starts on a brand‑new visitor journey that the institution plans to unveil in the first quarter of 2027. This timing follows the museum’s own operating model, which was designed from the start to allow large‑scale changes that keep pace with scientific, technological and societal developments.
What’s Changing at the Museum of the Future
The closure will bring an end to the museum’s original exhibitions, which have been on display for more than four years after the venue opened in February 2022. All of the main experiences – from the OSS Hope Space Station simulation to the Heal Institute’s recreation of the Amazon rainforest and DNA library – will be replaced as part of the relaunch. Those exhibitions have explored imagined developments in space travel, climate science, ecology, technology and well‑being, reflecting the museum’s role in shaping stronger, more connected communities.
Visitors can still explore the technology‑free wellness space Al Waha, the Tomorrow Today exhibition with its cutting‑edge prototypes, and the Future Heroes edutainment area for children until the shutdown. The new visitor journey promises a “renewed narrative” and “refreshed identity”, and is scheduled to open around the time of the museum’s fifth anniversary, reinforcing its mission to remain a forward‑looking cultural hub.
“renewed narrative” and “refreshed identity”
— Museum of the Future
The museum’s media statement says the replacements will offer more interactive ways for guests to examine the opportunities and challenges expected to shape the coming decades. Development of the new line‑up was guided by a public call for ideas posted on the museum’s social media channels, which drew more than 1,000 suggestions from contributors across different countries and disciplines. This collaborative approach underscores the institution’s commitment to community‑driven innovation.
Exact closing and reopening dates – as well as details on annual events such as the forthcoming fifth edition of the Dubai Future Forum – have not yet been announced. The museum’s leadership noted that the timing aligns with its planned fifth‑year milestone, and further information about the new exhibitions and programmes will be shared in the coming months.
Frequently asked questions
When does the Museum of the Future close for the 2027 relaunch?
The museum will shut its doors in mid‑September, giving visitors a final chance to explore before the overhaul begins.
What exhibitions are ending at the Museum of the Future?
The original exhibitions—including the OSS Hope Space Station simulation, the Heal Institute’s Amazon rainforest recreation, and the DNA library—will be replaced as part of the relaunch.
When will the Museum of the Future reopen after the relaunch?
The new visitor journey is slated to open in the first quarter of 2027, around the museum’s fifth anniversary.
What can visitors still see at the Museum of the Future before it closes?
Visitors can still experience the technology‑free wellness space Al Waha, the Tomorrow Today exhibition with its cutting‑edge prototypes, and the Future Heroes edutainment area for children.
Why is the Museum of the Future closing for a relaunch?
The closure allows the museum to refresh its narrative and identity, offering more interactive ways to explore future opportunities and challenges, in line with its model of large‑scale change.
