Culture vultures- there’s a new Dubai attraction in town! With its newest cultural wonder, the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), Dubai is continuing its tradition of architectural and imaginative innovation. This breathtaking new landmark, which will seem to hover above Dubai Creek, is an ambitious attempt to combine contemporary architecture with the abundance of art, culture, and innovation seen throughout the city. It will definitely be a gem in the list of Dubai’s latest attractions!
When he made the announcement, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum characterised DUMA as "a museum that floats above Dubai Creek to enhance its artistic brilliance." "Reflect the civilisation spirit of Dubai and be a mirror to its culture and arts," he added, describing the project as remarkable.
The design language of DUMA
DUMA, designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, aims to offer an immersive experience that blurs the boundaries between architecture, art, and emotion. As stated in an article by the Gulf News, Ando is renowned for his lyrical interiors that skillfully combine elements of nature, concrete, and light. The museum, which will float on water like a sculpture, will be shaped like a seashell and will be inspired by Dubai's pearl-diving legacy. A central entrance enables natural light to radiate around the area like a pearl's brilliance, while a circular display space at its heart depicts unity, creativity, and continuation.
What you can expect from DUMA
On its five floating floors, DUMA will include cultural programs, studios, a library, learning areas, and changing exhibitions. Art fairs, artist presentations, panel discussions, and workshops will bring the international art community to Dubai. A café and VIP lounge are also available, perfect for people-watching while sipping coffee and taking in some art. Several flexible display spaces will occupy the first and second floors of DUMA. The third story will house a VIP club and restaurant, with a variety of establishments occupying the ground and basement floors. Full support for various cultural events throughout the year will be provided by the venue's customizable event spaces, picturesque vistas, several well-equipped study rooms, and library.
After it opens to the public, the museum will have regular art fairs, educational programs, panel discussions, and speeches by visiting artists. Along with the established, DUMA hopes to elevate up-and-coming talent. Contemporary and modern art that captures the essence of Dubai—its diversity, bravery, curiosity, and emphasis on the future—will be on display. This museum is poised to become a cultural Instagram sensation as it floats on Dubai Creek, exposed to the sky and sea. It will also serve as a real centre for creative development and international artistic discourse.
Love museums and cannot wait for DUMA? Here is a list of places to visit in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that you must visit!
Louvre, Abu Dhabi
The magnificent design by Jean Nouvel and the vast collection that focused on uniting many civilizations during the 2017 opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi left tourists in awe. Even after eight years, it's still a great educational resource; in fact, guests can now even rent kayaks to paddle around the serene waterways around the impressive building. The permanent collection includes paintings by Rembrandt, Édouard Manet, and Piet Mondrian; the temporary collections include pieces by Van Gogh and Paul Cézanne; and the artefacts on display consist of priceless Cartier gems and artefacts from African monarchs.
Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi
Mosaics, marble, glistening chandeliers, and a central dome that soars 37 meters make the Qasr Al Watan presidential palace an impressive sight. Among the many fascinating exhibits on display are musical instruments, ancient manuscripts, and the scientific and astronomical achievements of Arabian scholars. The museum's most interesting feature is the collection of gifts from world leaders. The collection encompasses antiquity relics, falcon hoods, and even a full suit of samurai armour.
Jumeirah Archaeological Site, Dubai
Hidden away in the residential area of Jumeirah 2 is a hidden gem that isn't getting nearly enough love. Relics from a city, mosque, caravanserai, and dwellings from the Abbasid period (around 9th to 11th century CE) are on display at the Jumeirah Archaeological Site. Glazed jars, carnelian beads, and silver coins are among the artefacts on display at the modest museum on the grounds, all of which point to the site's importance as a trade post in bygone times.
Museum of the Future, Dubai
The design of the Museum of the Future in Dubai is unparalleled, earning it the title of "the world's most beautiful building" upon its premiere in 2022. Stop what you're doing and look at this dazzling silver torus adorned with stylised Arabic calligraphy. The hole in the middle represents the future we don't yet know. The interior is just as stunning, and thanks to the building's own structure, it's entirely column-free. Calligraphy that also functions as windows lets light in, and if you raise your eyes to the ceiling, you may be able to make out the metallic penguin gliding across the atrium.