Abu Dhabi is about to get a lot more stellar – literally. The upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi is set to open its doors next year and trust us, it’s going to be out of this world.
It’s basically going to be packed with a space-inspired odyssey, a prehistoric adventure and plenty of “Wow, is that real?” moments as you explore treasures that span 13.8 billion years of Earth’s – and the universe’s – history.
So, calling all space nerds: one of the museum’s highlights is the legendary Murchison Meteorite, a cosmic rock older than the Earth itself. This intergalactic relic is packed with 7 billion-year-old grains, giving us clues about the origins of life.
The space gallery will also feature NASA’s iconic Voyager interstellar recordings, made famous as messages for potential alien civilizations. And for history buffs, the Soviet Union’s original Sputnik Activation Key and Logbook will also make an appearance. It’s a galactic deep dive that’ll have your inner astronaut cheering.
Back on Earth, prepare to be amazed by a 67-million-year-old T. rex fossil. If Jurassic Park taught us anything, it’s that this apex predator is the ultimate showstopper. The museum will also showcase a Stegosaurus with its iconic spiky tail and bony plates, alongside fossils from the Arabian Peninsula – including a four-tusked elephant that roamed Abu Dhabi’s lush savannahs seven million years ago.
Nestled in the Saadiyat Cultural District, this 35,000-square-metre marvel will combine jaw-dropping artefacts and interactive galleries to create a cultural hotspot like no other.
For the kids (or the kid in you), the Palaeo Lab will bring fossils to life with interactive exhibits. Think of it as a time machine disguised as a museum.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said about the museum: “The district’s institutions are pivotal in educating our youth through direct interaction with our cultural institutions. They spark curiosity, foster critical thinking, and cultivate creativity, serving as platforms for lifelong learning.”
Opening in 2025. Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi.
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