Opening 22 November 2025 | Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi

The UAE is about to make history once again — this time, by unveiling one of the world’s most extraordinary museums.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, opening in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, will take visitors on a breathtaking journey across 13.8 billion years of natural history — from the birth of the universe to the future of our planet.
 

A Journey Through Time

Step into a world where the story of Earth unfolds before your eyes — from meteorites that predate our Solar System to the giants that once ruled our planet.
The museum promises a fully immersive experience through state-of-the-art galleries, scientific research labs, and life-sized prehistoric wonders.

Must-See Highlights

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is not just another museum—it’s a walk through Earth’s memory.
Here are some unmissable highlights that will leave you in awe:

“Stan” the T-Rex

A near-complete Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, standing tall at 67 million years old, takes center stage—one of the most complete T. rex fossils ever discovered.

The Giant Blue Whale

At 25 meters long, a female blue whale skeleton will hang gracefully from the ceiling—the largest creature known to have ever lived on Earth.

The Murchison Meteorite

Containing grains older than our solar system itself, this meteorite offers a direct glimpse into the universe’s earliest moments.

Arabia’s Own Natural Treasures

While the museum explores the wonders of the world, it also celebrates Arabia’s rich natural heritage.

One of the star discoveries is the Stegotetrabelodon emiratus, a prehistoric ancestor of the elephant found in Abu Dhabi — an animal that had tusks on both its upper and lower jaws.

The museum’s design by Mecanoo Architects mirrors the UAE’s desert landscape, with the building itself emerging organically from the ground, inspired by natural rock formations.

Inside the Museum: A Living Classroom

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is designed as an interactive educational hub, where science, discovery, and innovation meet.
Visitors will explore thematic galleries such as:

• The Story of Earth – From cosmic explosions to early life.

• The Evolving World – Evolution and biodiversity across eras.

• Our World – A look at the planet’s ecosystems.

• Resilient Planet – How species adapt and survive.

• Earth’s Future – A reflection on sustainability and what’s next for humanity.

Specialized zones like The PalaeoLab, Life Sciences Lab, and Arabia’s Climate let visitors watch real scientists at work and participate in hands-on learning experiences.

 

Opening Exhibitions You Can’t Miss

When the museum opens, it will feature two incredible global exhibitions:

• “The March of the Triceratops” – The world’s only touring triceratops herd.

• “Wildlife Photographer of the Year” – Celebrating the best of nature photography from across the globe.
   

Why This Museum Matters

This museum isn’t just about the past — it’s about inspiring the future.
It will serve as a global center for natural sciences, research, and sustainability — connecting visitors to the wonders of nature and the urgency of protecting it.

By showcasing how life evolved, adapted, and survived, the museum invites us to reflect on our planet’s resilience — and our responsibility to preserve it.
 

Plan Your Visit

Opening Date: 22 November 2025

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi

Experience: Interactive galleries, real research zones, and global exhibitions

Whether you’re a science enthusiast, a family seeking adventure, or a curious traveler, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience — connecting every visitor to the incredible story of life on Earth.
 

Final Thought

From meteorites that predate the Solar System to the magnificent blue whale and the mighty dinosaurs, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi isn’t just a museum — it’s a living chronicle of our planet’s past, present, and future.

So mark your calendar for November 22, 2025 — and prepare to witness Earth’s story come alive like never before.