The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi officially opened on Saturday 22 November, marking an important cultural milestone for Saadiyat Cultural District. The grand opening event took place in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. The celebration was also attended by H. E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, together with distinguished guests and partners.
Covering an area of more than 35,000 sqm, lead architects Mecanoo designed the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to resonate with natural rock formations, reflecting the museum’s ambition to deepen understanding of and engagement with the natural world. Geometry underpins the entire design, with pentagonal shapes recalling cellular structures. Water and vegetation also play key roles in the composition, offering symbolic references to life and resilience in the desert landscape.
Our team arrived on site several days before the opening, experiencing the lively atmosphere of the final preparations. Specialists from many disciplines were working across the building to complete the last details, creating a strong sense of anticipation. Walking through the galleries at this stage provided a rare insight into the project as it transitioned from construction to full public experience.
For Mecanoo, seeing the museum in its completed form has been a moment of genuine pride. The final days of preparation made clear how years of collaborative design together with Miral, have shaped a place where visitors can explore the story of our planet through science, discovery and imagination.