We’ll be getting a brand new museum next month
The official opening date for Abu Dhabi’s Natural History Museum has been announced and it’s actually pretty soon.
Get ready to step into 13.8 billion years of cosmic drama, prehistoric giants, and groundbreaking discoveries from 22 November, when the new museum will open its doors to the public for the first time.
Set within the Saadiyat Cultural District, this 35,000-square-metre marvel will help visitors travel through the epic story of life on Earth, guided by cutting-edge exhibitions and astonishing artefacts.
At its heart are three showstopping icons of deep time: Stan, one of the world’s most complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons; a 25-metre blue whale specimen, the largest animal known to have ever lived; and the Murchison Meteorite, containing grains older than the Solar System itself.
The first exhibitions
The March of the Triceratops exhibition offers a rare glimpse into prehistoric life, telling the fascinating story of the only known touring herd of triceratops.
Through detailed fossil reconstructions, life-sized models, and immersive displays, visitors will experience the social dynamics, behaviors, and migration patterns of these iconic dinosaurs, bringing ancient history vividly to life.
Following this, the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition showcases breathtaking photography from around the globe, celebrating the beauty, diversity, and fragility of the natural world.
From intimate animal portraits to striking landscapes, the exhibition captures moments of wonder and environmental significance that inspire curiosity and conservation.
Addressing the opening, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The opening of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi marks a major milestone in our journey to shape the emirate’s cultural landscape. The museum offers an immersive look at the story of life on Earth, framed for the first time through an Arabian lens, with the fauna, flora, and geological history of the region forming a prominent part of the visitor journey.
“The museum’s research and educational institution supports scientific knowledge and undertakes innovative scientific studies in zoology, palaeontology, marine biology, molecular research and earth sciences. By fostering engagement with the natural sciences, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi inspires future generations and contributes to a more sustainable future.”
Designed by acclaimed Dutch architects Mecanoo, the building rises organically from the Saadiyat Island landscape, inspired by natural rock formations. Inside, permanent galleries such as The Story of Earth, Resilient Planet, and Earth’s Future set the stage for immersive learning, while the museum’s labs and research hubs position it as a vital centre for innovation in science and sustainability.
To celebrate its launch, the museum will host two major international exhibitions: The March of the Triceratops, featuring the world’s only touring Triceratops herd, and the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year showcase.
22 November. Natural History Museum, Saadiyat Cultural District.
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