On 22 November 2025, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will open its doors to the public. Designed by Mecanoo, this 35,000-square-metre landmark will be the largest museum of its kind in the region, located at the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District.
The museum offers an immersive journey through 13.8 billion years of natural history: from the Big Bang and the formation of the solar system to the evolution of life on Earth and a thought-provoking vision for a sustainable future. For the first time, this universal story is presented through an Arabian lens, highlighting the region’s distinctive contribution to our planet’s narrative.
Architecturally, the design resonates with natural rock formations, reflecting the museum’s goal of deepening understanding of and engagement with the natural world. Geometry forms an overarching theme, with pentagonal shapes inspired by cellular structures. Water and vegetation, potent symbols of life in the desert, are woven throughout the design. The building will house expansive gallery spaces, temporary exhibition areas, and theatre facilities, offering a dynamic visitor experience.
Conceived and developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in partnership with Miral, the museum will serve as both a scientific research and teaching institution and an educational resource that ignites curiosity about our planet.
When complete, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi will join an extraordinary cultural ensemble alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Zayed National Museum, and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global centre for culture, arts, and creativity.