What lies inside Dubai's Museum of the Future?

Architectural wonder is set to open to the public on February 22

Dubai's Museum of the Future will embody the forward-thinking spirit of the UAE's founding fathers, a senior Emirati minister said. Photo: UAE Government Media Office

The museum opened its doors to the public on February 22. Photo: UAE Government Media Office

Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that it would be much more than a museum, serving as a 'research lab' for the future. Photo: UAE Government Media Office

The museum will feature a dedicated space for children, helping to harness their love of learning. Photo: UAE Government Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, hailed it as the "most beautiful building on Earth". Photo: UAE Government Media Office

Workers are dwarfed by the Museum of the Future in this November 2019 picture. The intricate design is inspired by Arabic script. Antonie Robertson / The National

The striking structure was years in the making. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The opening date was pushed back several times and a 2020 opening date came and went as the pandemic hit. Photo: Dubai Media Office

This 2018 image shows the unique design taking shape. Antonie Robertson / The National

A cyclist poses for a photograph in front of the museum in November. AP Photo / Jon Gambrell

The unique facade was voted among the most striking in the world in a recent poll. AP Photo

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visit the museum in September. Wam

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tries out some of the museum's technological features. Wam

Dubai's Museum of the Future promises visitors an immersive experience that will help them imagine all that is possible for the world.

Opening to the public on February 22, the striking 78-metre-high structure in Downtown Dubai has seven floors that focus on topics such as space travel and living, climate change and ecology, health, wellness and spirituality.

While it is not clear what specific artwork will be inside, the museum aims to use advanced technology to represent art.

Each floor will resemble a futuristic film set with which visitors can explore and interact.

The museum combines elements of exhibition, immersive theatre and a themed attraction to create scenes to show what is possible in the future as we know it today and for the next five to 10 years.

Product, media, exhibition and experience designers have crafted the content.

Three floors of the museum will focus on possible scenarios for outer space resource development, ecosystems and bioengineering, health, wellness and spirituality.

Another floor will display near-future technology that addresses challenges in areas such as health, water, food, transportation and energy.

There is also a dedicated children’s floor, where they can explore and solve challenges “on their way to becoming future heroes”.

What does the shape of the museum signify?

The low-carbon, stainless steel-clad, torus-shaped museum is meant to look futuristic and show that buildings can take different forms and still look attractive.

The shape represents Dubai's perpetual energy and a vision of the future as we understand it via exhibitions, the architect Killa Design said.

The shape also represents humanity. The green mound on top is a symbol for the Earth and the void represents the unknown future.

The building's windows are shaped in the form of Arabic calligraphy – designed by Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej – which shows that the building 'speaks Arabic'. The script is illuminated by 14 kilometres of LED lighting after dark.

What is written on the facade?

The facade features the poetry of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, about his vision for the city's future.

Translated into English, it says: “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It isn’t something you await, but rather create.”

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