Construction on Saadiyat Island, a cultural hub in the , appears to be nearing completion.
Plans for the National Museum of Zayed were first officially announced back in 2010. Now, the future cultural institution’s website has announced its imminent opening, set for December.
The museum, named after the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, will focus on the history and culture of the nation.
What do we know about this museum?
The stylish structure is topped with five lightweight steel constructions resembling the wings of a falcon. By utilizing temperature differences, these features will draw cool air into the exhibition spaces.
According to the architects at Foster+Partners, the museum will be housed in a multifaceted concrete building that serves as an “abstract reflection of the UAE’s topography.” Six galleries featuring permanent exhibits will be located across two floors. The halls will showcase artifacts from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages, discovered throughout the emirate. There will also be a gallery for temporary exhibitions, as reported by Dezeen.
Initially, the Foster+Partners team planned to create a green roof for the building. However, recent photos released by the museum indicate that this idea has been abandoned.
The architects explained that their goal was to blend high-performance modern design with elements of traditional Arab aesthetics and hospitality. “The museum will be sustainable, welcoming, and in line with the cultural traditions of this place,” the designers stated.
The National Museum of Zayed is part of a broader development plan for Saadiyat Island. This plan has already seen the completion of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel in 2017, as well as the interfaith complex Abrahamic Family House, designed by Adjaye Associates and opened in 2023.
The plan also includes the construction of several more cultural centers, including the long-awaited Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry and a gallery by the Japanese art collective TeamLab. Work on these projects is also nearing completion.
Additionally, an upscale residential complex designed by the Danish firm BIG is set to rise near the National Museum of Zayed.
