MUSEUM OF THE FUTURE

It’s the news Dubai has been waiting for – the Museum of the Future is finally open. Here’s everything you need to know about the iconic museum

hat’s the question our culture writer Aarti hears the most in Dubai? No, it’s not “can you get me tickets to the next musical at Dubai Opera?” (although that does get asked quite a lot). It’s “when is the Museum of the Future opening?” And with good reason. The construction site on Sheikh Zayed Road has been teasing the city’s residents for seven years now – take a drive past it and your mind can’t help but wonder what it’s going to look like inside, and what incredible futuristic sci-fi awaits. But wonder no more. The museum is finally open to the public and inside you’ll find immersive exhibitions, the likes of which have never been seen before.

But the museum structure itself is equally dazzling. Made out of a fibreglass and stainless steel frame, the unique eye-like development was designed by architecture firm Killa Design, and has already been recognised by National Geographic as one of the world’s 14 most beautiful museums.

Museum of the Future is an achievement on many levels. Not only is it an architectural marvel offering a peak into the world 50 years from now, but it rubberstamps the city’s position as one of the globe’s top tourism destinations.

THE ICONIC BUILDING

All you need to know about Museum of the Future

Spanning a colossal 323,000 square feet and comprising seven stories, the 252-square-foothigh museum has a number of floors dedicated to different experiences.

Three floors include immersive exhibitions focusing on outer space resource development, ecosystems and bioengineering, along with health and wellbeing.

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Another floor showcases nearfuture technologies that aim to revolutionise the world by addressing challenges in areas that include health, water, food, transportation and energy.

AARTI’S TOP TIPS

What’s On’s favourite spots at Museum of the Future 01. Be sure to take a photo from the viewing deck of Museum of the Future, where visitors stand on the inner shell of the museum with the beautiful curve of the building behind them. 02. We could spend an hour at the DNA library, where over 2,400 models of species are displayed in tiny glass vials. Illuminated with changing radium lights, it’s well worth exploring. 03. Feel a rush of new emotions at the Heal Institute, a sensory experience where visitors close their eyes and listen to soothing sounds as you rest your palms over a vibrating basin. 04. Don’t forget to place an order with the robot barista on the ground floor. Then watch and be amazed as it prepares your drink for you.

01. Entering the space shuttle simulation to OSS Hope 02. Sol Project – a futuristic mission to provide energy from the moon to Earth 03. Make a wish at The Heal Institute 04. Avatar Aya 05. The future of transportation at Tomorrow Today 06. Museum of the Future lobby 07. Children’s learning area for under 10s 08. Vibration healing 09. Apply for a futuristic job on board the OSS Hope 10. The DNA Library at The Heal Institute 11. A close-up of one of the specimens at the DNA Library

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The museum signifies a peek into the world 50 years from now, exhibiting and predicting how next-generation solutions – from artificial intelligence to augmented reality and identifying potential threats – can enhance and revolutionise humanity for the better.

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The museum is covered in quotes from Sheikh Mohammed. Of the quotes enveloping the façade, one translates to: “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone. The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it and execute it. It isn’t something you await, but rather create.”

The last floor is all about the little ones – dedicated to children to explore and solve challenges in their own way to become our future heroes.

HOW MUCH?

A one-day ticket will set you back Dhs145. Children under three years and people of determination enter for free. Museum opening times are daily from 10am to 6pm. Tickets must be purchased online via museumofthefuture.ae