Abu Dhabi is set to make a significant cultural leap with the upcoming openings of two major museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The city has just revealed the much-anticipated Natural History Museum, which will open its doors on November 22, 2025, followed by the Zayed National Museum on December 3, 2025. These institutions mark a new chapter in Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a global cultural hub.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: A Journey Through Time
The Natural History Museum is set to become one of the largest and most immersive institutions in the region. Spanning 35,000 square metres, the museum’s architecture is designed to blend harmoniously with its natural surroundings. Its striking form rises from the waters of Saadiyat Island, resembling a rock formation that seems to have emerged from the landscape. This design, by renowned architects Mecanoo, reflects the museum’s mission to connect visitors with the natural world and inspire future generations to engage with science and sustainability.
Inside, the museum takes visitors on a captivating journey across 13.8 billion years of natural history, from the Big Bang to the present day. The exhibits cover a vast range of topics, including the formation of our solar system, the rise and fall of dinosaurs, and the evolution of life. The museum highlights the rich biodiversity of Earth, offering unique insights into the planet’s ongoing story.
Iconic Exhibits: ‘Stan’, Blue Whale, and the Murchison Meteorite
Among the most remarkable exhibits is ‘Stan’, a nearly complete skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex. This awe-inspiring specimen represents one of the most fearsome predators to have ever lived on Earth 67 million years ago. The museum will also house the largest animal known to have existed, with a stunning 25-metre-long female blue whale skeleton, offering a glimpse into the marvels of marine biodiversity. In addition, the Murchison Meteorite will be displayed, an extraordinary relic that contains grains over seven billion years old, predating our solar system.
The Arabian Connection
A central theme in the museum’s narrative is the natural history of the Arabian Peninsula. The museum highlights the region’s significant contributions to Earth’s story, with one notable discovery being the extinct Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, an ancient elephant species that possessed tusks in both its upper and lower jaws a rare feature not seen in modern elephants.
Visitors can explore several permanent galleries, such as The Story of Earth, The Evolving World, and Our World, which take them through different stages of Earth’s development. Other exhibits include The Resilient Planet and Earth’s Future, alongside thematic side galleries like The PalaeoLab and The Human Story. The museum will also feature an Interactive Theatre that uses immersive technology to transport visitors back in time, offering an engaging, visual experience.
Special Exhibitions and Educational Mission
To mark its opening, the museum will host two temporary international exhibitions. The March of the Triceratops will showcase the world’s only touring herd of Triceratops, and the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition will present some of the best nature photography from around the globe.
The Natural History Museum is not just a place for exhibition but also an institution for research and education. Its research arm focuses on studies in zoology, palaeontology, marine biology, molecular research, and Earth sciences. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, emphasised the museum’s role in fostering scientific engagement, saying it “inspires future generations and contributes to a more sustainable future.”
The museum joins other significant cultural institutions in Abu Dhabi, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and will be an integral part of the cultural landscape that includes the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum. With these developments, Abu Dhabi is firmly positioning itself as a global leader in arts and culture.
For those interested in the broader scope of sustainable innovation in the region, the opening of these museums aligns with the ongoing discussions and initiatives, such as those showcased during Global Food Week 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
As Abu Dhabi continues to build on its cultural momentum, the Natural History Museum promises to be a landmark institution, bringing the wonders of Earth’s history to life for generations to come.
