Dubai’s Museum of the Future is now open – and Time Out was one of the first to explore.
Look inside Museum of the Future with our top tips for all the best things to see, do and experience, from missions to space and walks through the Amazon to games for children and the ultimate viewing platform.
We’ve all been (im)patiently waiting for Dubai’s newest cultural landmark to open its doors, and Time Out was among the very first to tour the attraction today.
The Museum of the Future officially opened on the auspicious palindromic date of 22.02.2022.
The “most beautiful building in the world” is expected to open to the public who have already purchased tickets from February 25, with online bookings filling up fast.
For how to buy your tickets, click here.
The entire nation has been admiring the incredible architecture of the Museum of the Future for a long time.
Today, Time Out took a look inside. Let’s just say it’s been been worth the wait.
Read on to find out everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Where should I start?
Firstly, take a moment to pause at the entrance. Embrace and take in the enormity of this incredible structure. As you walk through the colossal revolving doors, you will enter the heart of Museum of the Future. This is the busy, bright and open lobby area where tickets can be purchased and tours begin.
Gigantic animal themed ‘aerobes’ appear floating in the massive atrium; a humungous silver manta ray, a swimming silver penguin and a Tate Modern-esque jellyfish creature. This is a moment of pure magic for all the family as the huge balloon type creations float and ‘swim’ in the air above you. These are just one of the unique treats to greet you at Museum of the Future.
If you can manage to pick your jaw up off the floor, and you’ve arrived early, we highly recommend making a bee-line to the café, just behind the spiral staircase. Here you will find a robot barista (yes, robot!) ready to create some of your favourite drinks; from iced nitro pecan coffee, to a hot caramel latte to a peach tea. Scan a QR code to make your order and watch as your robot barista prepares your drink. An incredible sight for the whole family. An excellent feature for the ‘gram.
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All that, and the tour hasn’t even begun. What’s Chapter 1?
Your journey starts by blasting off into space in Chapter 1. Both your tour guide and your virtual avatar guide Aya will explain the process, and accompany you throughout the mission to space. Watch the buildings of Dubai fall away as you head towards the clouds and into space. Don’t worry His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has developed special technology so that we remain on the ground and don’t float all over the place as we reach space. You’ll be able to see Earth from above and you can register as a special space pioneer, choosing your mission. Time Out chose to be Mars colony pioneers. Obviously.
After going to space, what else is there to see?
Next, return to Earth and discover more about our ecological system in the Amazon in Chapter 2. As we are in 2071, we don’t know what the environment or weather will be like. The message is clear – we must look after and learn more about Earth’s ecology to ensure the successful continuance of all species.
Visit the incredible DNA lab where hundreds of species of animals, insects, sea-creatures, plants and seeds are kept in suspended glass jars. Lab technicians will talk you through the different species. Each lab jar lends itself to a kaleidoscopic rainbow that is hard to put into words.
We heard about the wellness area, what is it like?
Remove yourself from our current digital heavy world and reconnect with mind, body and soul with Chapter 3, the Alwaha wellness area. Not an easy thing to achieve for us Time Out’s team, or we guess most of you, but this place seems to do the trick.
Expect soft, dusky pinks and textured creams to calm and refocus the mind. In different booths you’ll rediscover and reconnect with the world through the senses rather than technology. Each area is interactive and focuses on different ways to reawaken the senses. Take your time to digest it all.
Will the kids be entertained?
Most definitely. Not only will they enjoy the interactivity of each part of the journey, there is also a whole floor dedicated to the future heroes. Here children can participate in missions, working together to solve problems, build structures and learn more about the world. By successfully completing missions, kids will be awarded badges.
It all sounds amazing. Which part is unmissable?
Short answer – none of it. Every section of this museum is designed to engage you, forcing you to ask questions and think about the answers. We challenge you to go and not learn something. We definitely feel a lot smarter right now.
What’s the best bit?
Dubai loves a good viewing deck, but this one rivals the best. The viewing platform opens into the centre of the structure, giving you up-close views of the incredible architecture and design of the Museum of the Future. Of course, this spot naturally lends itself to an Instagram shot of a lifetime. We had it to ourselves, but expect queues for photos as visitors discover it. Get in when you can is our advice.
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How long should I set aside for my visit?
With so much to see and do in Museum of the Future, we recommend making time to spend at least half a day exploring each part of the attraction. If you have children in tow, then pick and choose – your guide will be able to give you a suggested itinerary. You’re going to want to go back anyway. Trust us.
Where do I get tickets? And how much are they?
Tickets can be purchased online. Each ticket costs Dhs145 for any visitor aged three and above. Children under the age of three, people of determination and senior Emirati citizens will be able to visit the museum free of charge.
To learn more about how and where to buy tickets, click here.
Museum of the Future. Open daily 10am-6pm. Sheikh Zayed Road. museumofthefuture.ae
Here are more fun and interesting things to do in Dubai
Get cultural at Alserkal Art Week in March
Discover the best art exhibits and installations from local and international artists in one place.
Read more here.
Gotham City has a pavilion at Expo 2020
Grab the Robin to your Batman and visit this limited edition pavilion before the end of March.
Read more here.
Take time to relax with Dubai’s best pool day deals
It’s the perfect temperature now to enjoy a day by the pool with your pals.
Read more here.
