How will the world look in 50 years? Dubai’s most unique museum is ready to take us into the future! The Museum of the Future, an ambitious project of the Dubai Future Foundation, opened on 22nd February 2022 (palindromic date – 22022022). The museum was described as the “most beautiful building on earth” by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
A one-of-a-kind project by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, gives a fascinating glimpse into what the future holds.
The Museum of the Future is a visual marvel and a trailblazer when it comes to modern technology, standing 77 meters tall and covering almost 30,000 square meters…and already one of the most beautiful museums in the world.
The museum explores the future of artificial intelligence and other innovative technologies. As well as being a spectacular tourist attraction, the museum offers advanced courses, workshops, science conferences, and prototype testing of the latest inventions.
Structure of the museum
As designed by Killa Designs, the Museum of the Future Dubai is shaped like an elegant silver oval with an open centre. The structure, located next to Emirates Towers, is made up of three sections: the green hill, the building, and the void. While the green hill represents the earth, the gleaming oval represents mankind. The structure’s void symbolizes innovation.
The design of the Museum of the Future is infused with art and poetry. On the exterior is Arabic calligraphy and insightful future-related quotations from H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE.
Two bridges link the exhibition space to the Emirates Tower Metro Station and the Jumeirah Emirates Tower.
What to expect?
It invites you to gaze “beyond the present to the possible”. The museum’s website explains that the facility will host exhibitions, themed attractions, and an immersive theatre that will be used for screenings and public events.
The museum consists of seven floors above a podium level of three stoery and an F&B deck. Level 7 is the Events Hall, and Level 6 is marked as private, implying that it can only be accessed by VIPs. During a two-hour guided tour of the remaining five levels, visitors will be immersed in a journey of imagination. They are accompanied on this tour by a human guide as well as their virtual avatar guide, Aya! Let’s take a look at what the museum tour has in store without giving too many spoilers.
LEVEL 5: CHAPTER 1 – OSS HOPE
Aya, your virtual avatar guide, will take you to a room that simulates a spacecraft. The entire skyline of Dubai is visible from the windows of the shuttle. The program then transports you to the OSS Hope Space, where Aya gives a brief overview of the station’s operation, structure, and mission.
It’s time to explore the Amazon ecosystem after exploring outer space. Providing people with information about climate change and what they can do to help build a more sustainable future is the aim of this area.
Another fascinating section on this level is the Vault of Life. There is a DNA Lab here with 2,400 genetic codes of animals, insects, sea creatures, plants and seeds displayed in glass cases.
LEVEL 3: CHAPTER 3 – AL WAHA WELLNESS AREA
Disconnect from technology and enter a space that promotes happiness and mental well-being. This portion of the museum is dedicated to scientific healing, helping us reconnect with our body, mind, and spirit through our senses.
Here are some of the interactive spaces in Al Waha that offer visitors different treatments:
- Movement Therapy – The visitor can wander around and learn how movement can rejuvenate the mind and body.
- Feeling Therapy – Guests can experience electromagnetic waves by placing their hands on vibrating plates, which are thought to have healing properties.
- Grounding Therapy – By focusing on certain sounds, this space can help your body ground back to its optimal frequency and restore its natural rhythms.
- Connections Therapy – There is a group effort required in this area, where six people sit around a table and hum into a microphone. This activity promotes collaboration and builds relationships.
- Meditation Centre – Inside the museum, there is a meditation room where you can lie down, feel the vibrations, and watch the shadows from a water ripple projection.
LEVEL 2: TOMORROW TODAY
A display of ever-evolving technologies is displayed in this section of the museum. The exhibit includes futuristic electric vehicles, electric jets, autonomous delivery devices, self-driving transportation, and a gravity jet suit.
On this floor, you will also find the viewing deck entrance, where you can take the perfect Instagram photo.
LEVEL 1: FUTURE HEROES
There is a floor in the museum dedicated to the museum’s younger guests, a place where they can indulge and explore their imaginations. Children under 10 can participate in fun missions and earn badges.
GROUND FLOOR: LOBBY, CAFE & GIFT SHOP
There is a cafe on the ground floor that offers a wide variety of tasty snacks and drinks. Behind the glass window, visitors can also see a robot barista preparing coffee for customers!
The gift shop on the other side of the lobby offers souvenirs, such as magnets, notebooks, keychains, tote bags, and more.
How to get there?
Since the building is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the nearest metro station to the museum is Emirates Towers, which is on Sheikh Zayed Road.
The museum offers on-site parking (subject to availability) as well as valet parking. In the self-parking area, bicycle racks are available for visitors arriving by bicycle or electric scooter.