Abu Dhabi Offers 3-Day Free Entry to Museums & Cultural Events

In celebration of International Museum Day, Abu Dhabi is offering residents and visitors free access to its museums and cultural sites across the emirate. From May 16 to 18, attendees will be treated to hands-on workshops, live performances, and guided tours at some of the city’s most iconic venues.

Under this year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” the initiative underscores the vital role of museums in fostering community bonds, encouraging dialogue, and promoting cultural understanding.

With attractions spanning the Saadiyat Cultural District, Al Ain, and Delma Island, Abu Dhabi’s efforts aim to showcase the emirate's rich heritage and creativity. The organizers have invited everyone to take advantage of this three-day cultural extravaganza and explore the diverse offerings across the city.

Highlighting Museum Experiences

The event promises to provide a captivating experience for people of all ages. Here’s what attendees can look forward to at some of Abu Dhabi’s standout cultural venues:

Natural History Museum

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Dates: May 16-18
Entry: Free

At the Natural History Museum, visitors can marvel at the wonders of the natural world while participating in hands-on workshops and creative activities. Highlights include:

• Build a Mini Exhibit: Step into the role of a curator and create your own miniature exhibition.
• Sun Printing Activity: Create unique prints using the power of sunlight and natural materials.
• Light Lab: Experiment with colors and transparent materials to produce layered visual art.
• Wiggly Creatures Workshop: Use craft materials to make expressive, moving creatures inspired by nature.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Dates: May 16-18
Entry: Free

The Louvre Abu Dhabi will host free thematic tours exploring its permanent galleries and the Picasso Exhibition. Visitors can also enjoy architecture-focused experiences and olfactory tours available on Saturdays, along with free children’s workshops from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Zayed National Museum

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Dates: May 16-18
Timings: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Entry: Free

Spanning the weekend, the Zayed National Museum offers performances, workshops, and special family-friendly programs that highlight UAE culture and heritage. Activities include storytelling sessions, bracelet-making workshops, and a family scavenger hunt.

Cultural Foundation

Location: Al Hosn Site
Dates: May 18
Timings: 4-6 p.m.
Entry: Free

A guided and interactive journey through the Cultural Foundation awaits children, introducing them to the key functions that bring the venue to life.

Al Maqta’a Museum

Location: Abu Dhabi
Dates: May 18
Timings: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Entry: Free

University students can gain first-hand insights into careers within the cultural sector at Al Maqta’a Museum. Participants will explore the behind-the-scenes operations of a museum and engage in interactive experiences, discussion sessions, and Q&A forums. Certificates of participation and volunteer hours will also be awarded.

Al Ain Museum

Location: Al Ain
Dates: May 16-18
Timings: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Entry: Free

Guests can partake in engaging family-oriented programs that include guided tours and interactive discovery activities.

Al Ain Cultural Sites

Locations: Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Oasis, Al Qattara Arts Centre, Bait Mohammad Bin Khalifa
Dates: May 18
Entry: Free

Discover Abu Dhabi’s UNESCO World Heritage Site through a unified program focused on conservation and restoration efforts. Visitors will explore fascinating historical landmarks and their transformation through the years.

Delma Museum

Location: Delma Island
Dates: May 18
Entry: Free

The Delma Museum celebrates International Museum Day with its “Cultural Pathway to the Future” program, reigniting the Young Tour Guides initiative to inspire youth participation in cultural preservation.

Qasr Al Hosn

Location: Al Hosn Site
Dates: May 17
Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Entry: Free

Children aged 10 and above are invited to join “The Children’s Takeover,” where they can assume roles such as cultural tour guides, photographers, ticketing staff, and gift shop assistants, offering them a hands-on introduction to museum operations.

Manarat Al Saadiyat

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District
Dates: May 18
Timings: 6 to 8 p.m.
Entry: Free

Join Emirati content creator Zayed Al Haddar for an immersive guided video-walk experience, creatively reimagining the Saadiyat Cultural District as a dynamic cultural hub.

Abu Dhabi Libraries

Locations: Khalifa Park Library, Al Wathba Library, Al Bahia Library, Zayed Central Library (Al Ain), Al Marfaa Library
Dates: May 16-18
Timings: 3 to 7 p.m.
Entry: Free

Abu Dhabi’s libraries offer an interactive program for children and teenagers aged 6 to 14. Activities include storytelling, art-making, and explorations centered on designing personal museums and discovering cultural stories.

The free-entry initiative promises to be an enriching journey for residents and visitors alike, encouraging engagement with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant cultural heritage and creative future.