The Zayed National Museum, dedicated to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, opened last December onSaadiyat Island. Designed by Foster + Partners, the building’s wing‑like structures honour falconry while echoing the founder’s environmental and cultural vision.
Design and Architecture
The museum’s façade features five lightweight steel towers that mimic falcon wings in flight. Inside, six permanent galleries sit within a textured mound that reflects the UAE’s topography. Operable panels in the towers allow natural ventilation during cooler months, and a geothermal system precools incoming air, a modern reimagining of the traditional barjeel wind tower.
Al Masar Garden and Landscape
Al Masar Garden stretches 600 metres as an outdoor gallery. Water channels run through the garden, reviving the ancient falaj irrigation method. Native plants, sculptures and desert‑inspired settings illustrate the environments that shaped Sheikh Zayed’s life.
Permanent Galleries and Falcon Motif
The six permanent galleries trace 300,000 years of human history in what is now the UAE. By weaving the narrative of falconry into each space, the museum links a core cultural practice to the nation’s modern identity.
Historical Exhibits and Personal Artifacts
The “Our Beginning” gallery introduces visitors to Sheikh Zayed’s early leadership. A replica of his 1966 Chrysler and his personal Polaroid camera from the late 1960s to early ’70s illustrate his hands‑on approach and personal engagement with the people.
Oral History and Community Voices
An oral‑history collection invites citizens and residents to share memories, ensuring the institution remains a living dialogue about Emirati identity. Curators travelled across the UAE to collect firsthand stories, and the project will be regularly updated, adding new voices to the museum’s narrative.
Future Programming and Visitor Experience
A temporary exhibition space will keep the museum responsive to new research. The museum’s format prevents any single narrative from dominating, encouraging visitors to draw their own conclusions and explore nuanced aspects of the nation’s past.
Looking Ahead
ArtAsiaPacific’s interview with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, highlighted the museum’s role in connecting Emiratis and the world. Upcoming temporary shows and continued oral‑history contributions will ensure the Zayed National Museum remains a dynamic cultural hub for years to come.
Frequently asked questions
When did the Zayed National Museum open?
The Zayed National Museum opened last December on Saadiyat Island.
Who designed the Zayed National Museum?
Foster + Partners designed the building with wing-like structures to honour falconry.
What is the length of Al Masar Garden?
Al Masar Garden stretches 600 metres as an outdoor gallery featuring water channels.
How many years of history does the museum showcase?
The museum traces 300,000 years of human history in what is now the UAE.
