Dubai’s Museum Of The Future Boasts Mind-Bending Exhibits And Cutting-Edge Design Elements
Amidst the cascading skyscrapers in Dubai, the newly-opened elliptical Museum of the Future has caught everyone’s attention, giving us a peek into tomorrow. With an intriguing vision and concept, the futuristic shape of this building has generated curiosity that is a blend of human skill and digital power. The calligraphy-clad, torus-shaped structure is the latest addition to the city of global landmarks, which pushes boundaries and takes pride in innovation. Nine years in the making, the 77-feet Museum of the Future tells the narrative of the future through a series of interactive exhibitions, inviting people to experience the technologies and trends that will shape the future of humanity.
“The Museum’s exhibitions will fuel the passion of present and future generations, and spark their intellectual curiosity for science, technology and the knowledge that will help humanity to thrive and prosper in the decades ahead”, says His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, the UAE’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Museum of the Future. While the museum has been designed by architect Shaun Killa, of the Dubai architecture firm Killa Design, the creation of the museum has been undertaken by Dubai Future Foundation.
The architectural marvel is considered one of the most complex construction projects ever attempted due to its unconventional design, sustainability goals and awe-inspiring aesthetic. Spanning an area of 30,000 square metres, the building has no columns to support its structure. It relies on a network of 2,400 steel tubes intersected diagonally on its outer frame and comprising 1,024 unique stainless steel composite panels as cladding. Each panel is a composite of glass fibre reinforced plastic and an outer skin of stainless steel.
The artist behind the Arabic calligraphy fonts on the façade is the Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej. “Arabic calligraphy is an art that links our history with our future. It is a message of hope, optimism and positivity for a better future for humanity”, explains Mattar bin Lahej. The perforations created in the façade allow natural sunlight into the building during the day and at night the LED illumination highlights the shapes.
The museum has seven floors and each of them is dedicated to a different exhibition space. Designers, artists and filmmakers from around the globe have collaborated to create these interactive exhibits that take visitors on a journey to the year 2071, powered by artificial intelligence. Considering children are the future, the museum has a designated section for the children below the age of 10, on level one called ‘Future Heroes’. Here, children are encouraged to let their imaginations run wild along with developing skills through hands-on activities. Moving on to level two, a space called ‘Tomorrow Today’ displays gadgets and technologies that are at the forefront of innovation. An array of displays such as a self-driving car, a remote-controlled falcon that can be used to control bird populations, a material that is a substitute for plastic show that technology can be channelised to tackle different challenges.
On level three, the journey moves to the calm and soothing interiors of the ‘Al Waha’, which gives the impression of an oasis. With dusty-pink interiors, ambient lighting and a meditation centre, the visitors are encouraged to disconnect from the chaotic life of gadgets and reconnect with themselves. On level four is the ‘Heal Institute’, which is a dazzling re-creation of the Amazon rainforest. The highlight of this space is the vault that showcases 2,400 species – some thriving, some extinct and some on the verge of extinction. Level five is all about exploring space technology in the outer reaches of the galaxy, called ‘OSS Hope’. Here, the visitors with the help of their smart wristbands can explore what it’s like being in space. There is also a 345-seat theatre and a cavernous top floor to accommodate people for meetings and events.
Though the Museum of the Future may be one of the UAE’s latest technological and architectural marvels, it also epitomises the country’s diverse natural ecosystem, which boasts a vast range of local flora, fauna, terrestrial and marine wildlife. The building stands on a huge green plateau which is infact a resplendent garden comprising around 100 species of trees and plants, reflecting the natural diversity that is an integral part of the UAE’s heritage. The landscaping around is meticulously planned and planted to host resilient native plant species that can adapt to the desert climate along with a smart and automated irrigation system. One of the most complex and ambitious projects ever executed, with an instantly iconic inimitable exterior, the Museum of the Future through its unique themes enables visitors to become active participants in an expansive experience that taps into all five senses.
Open to all, entry tickets to the Museum of the Future are available for AED 145. Each ticket holder is allocated a specific time slot during the museum’s opening hours (from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. all week long).
For an exclusive glimpse into the future, MOTF tickets are available for visitors to purchase on the official MOTF website: www.motf.ae
