Abu Dhabi Opens Highly Anticipated Natural History Museum
Go back in time through immersive galleries showcasing fossils, meteorites and zoological specimens.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has finally begun welcoming visitors to its 35,000 sqm institution.
Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, the globally renowned museum comes as part of a line-up of new cultural hubs opening in the area, including teamLab Phenomena as well as Zayed National Museum, which opened this month, and the forthcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Designed by architectural firm Mecanoo, the new building doubles up as a striking landmark with an angular silhouette and overhanging plants that mimic a natural rock formation. Inside, the museum’s impressive design continues in six permanent galleries showcasing the earth’s 13.8 billion-year history through expansive displays.
The pinnacle of the museum’s offerings proves to be the famed Tyrannosaurus Rex specimen, widely known as Stan, which is accompanied by another skeleton, marking the first time two fossil Tyrannosaurus Rexes have been exhibited together. As well as these displays, the museum also introduces a series of locally discovered relics – such as the extinct Stegotetrabelodon Emiratus elephant species – in an effort to spotlight the region’s heritage.
Hoping to inspire the next generation of historians, biologists and paleontologists, an interactive theatre in the museum supplements the permanent galleries, hosting viewings of educational films. Temporary exhibitions are also lined up for the next year with the first two – March of the Triceratops and 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year – coming together to celebrate the museum’s grand opening.
To find out more about Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, be sure to visit the dedicated website now.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
Jacques Chirac St.
Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
