Want to find out what life will be like in 100 years? Head to this seven-storey orb in the UAE
Inside the vast seven-storey structure, you’ll find permanent exhibits that let you experience life on a space ship in 2071, plus explore a digital recreation of a part of the Amazon rainforest in Colombia. Other displays, meanwhile, focus on everything from renewables and DNA mapping to AI city-planning and the transport of the future.
Must Read: The Ultimate Dubai Food And Travel Guide
Located along Sheikh Zayed Road near the Burj Khalifa, the Museum of the Future stands out with its distinctive architecture, cutting-edge design elements, and captivating exhibits. For a city known for innovation and boldness, the museum is a fitting addition.
Introduction to the Museum of the Future by the Architect
“I aimed to capture a sense of innovation that reflects Dubai’s forward trajectory, along with the UAE as a whole,” explains Shaun Killa, Design Partner at Killa Design. “To anchor the building within this region, I chose to incorporate the ancient art of calligraphy. Additionally, using quotes from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum helped to underscore its Dubai identity,” Killa adds. The calligraphic panels by Mattar bin Lahej not only illuminate the interiors with natural light during the day but also provide sweeping views of Dubai’s dynamic skyline.
“It’s a remarkably unique structure,” remarks the architect, whose firm was selected through a competitive design process. “Its iconic simplicity allows you to sketch the entire building in just three lines. Comprising three distinct parts, the 77-meter-high elliptical structure symbolizes both the present and future. Perched atop a landscaped mound named ‘the Earth,’ adorned with 80 plant species from across the globe, it not only enhances the elevation but also serves as a green oasis in Dubai’s urban landscape, mitigating heat absorption throughout the day. This futuristic design embodies humanity’s aspirations and the mysteries of the unknown.”
Architects describe the museum as iconically simple yet profound, symbolizing both the present and future with its elliptical shape towering 77 meters above a park adorned with 80 plant species from around the world. This green space not only elevates the structure but also acts as a heat buffer, absorbing the city’s warmth. The central void represents the mysteries of the future, where innovation and discovery thrive, ensuring the museum remains relevant across generations.
Peek into the Future at Dubai’s Museum of the Future
Entering the museum’s pristine white interiors, visitors are greeted by a jellyfish-shaped drone and an atmosphere charged with anticipation. Unlike traditional museums that delve into history, this one propels visitors forward, envisioning Dubai’s future through holographic projections of flying taxis amidst towering skyscrapers surpassing the Burj Khalifa. The exhibits inspire awe with their focus on technological integration, powered by AI and augmented reality, offering glimpses into possibilities both imagined and yet to be.
Designers, artists, and filmmakers from around the globe collaborated on interactive exhibits spanning five floors. Aya, the digital avatar guide, leads visitors on a journey from outer space to endangered species habitats, culminating in moments of reflection amidst the museum’s contemporary spaces.
Visitors board an elevator simulating a voyage to the OSS Hope space station 600 kilometers above Earth, an experience that has moved many to tears as they witness the vastness of space unfold. Back on Earth, exhibits spotlight urgent global issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss, encouraging visitors to brainstorm solutions. The Library showcases 2,400 species, offering insights into their ecosystems and prompting visitors to consider sustainable practices and genetic conservation.
The journey concludes in Al Waha, an oasis of tranquility with its soothing interiors, ambient lighting, and meditation center. Here, amidst dusty pink hues, visitors disconnect from technology to reconnect with themselves, emphasizing the critical role of mental well-being in a fast-paced world.
Today Tomorrow, the museum’s finale, showcases cutting-edge technologies and inventions poised to shape the future. From self-driving cars to materials that could replace plastics, these innovations highlight the potential of technology in addressing diverse global challenges.
As day turns to night, the museum illuminates with 14 kilometers of LED lights, accentuating quotes by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Shaun Killa’s favorite quote encapsulates the museum’s ethos: “The future belongs to those who imagine it, design it, and execute it.”
Sound like a fun day out to you? Want to find out what life will be like in 100 years? And another 100 years after that? Tickets for The Museum of the Future start at AED 145 (£29 or $39). Find out more and book on the official website.
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