'Celebrating a Historic Opening: Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi's Greatest Story'

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, spanning 35,000 square metres, has opened its doors as the largest museum of its kind in the Middle East. It presents the story of our planet and life on Earth through some of the worlds most significant exhibits, celebrating 13.8 billion years of science and discovery.

Among the highlights is the immersive exhibition 'The March of the Triceratops', created in collaboration with the Naturalis Biodiversity Center in the Netherlands. The display showcases the first-ever herd of triceratops skeletons found together in North America, captivating visitors from the moment they enter.

Mohamed Khalifa Al-Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, commented: From the moment you step inside and encounter the welcoming family of five sauropods, the museum sparks curiosity and imagination for all ages.

Other remarkable exhibits include Stan, a 66-million-year-old T-Rex fossil, noted as one of the most complete and well-preserved specimens ever found. In a global first, Stan is displayed in a dynamic battle scene alongside another T-Rex and a Triceratops, offering visitors a thrilling glimpse into prehistoric life.

The museum also features the Murchison meteorite, a 4.5-billion-year-old rock formed from a parent asteroid at the dawn of the solar system. When it landed in Australia, locals noticed its unusual scent, described as resembling rotten peanut butter or Brussels sprouts due to its organic compounds.

Immersive science programs and interactive experiences connect past, present, and future, inspiring curiosity and learning for young audiences. Al-Mubarak added, The museum is a continuously evolving space where we collaborate with scientific and cultural institutions to research and discover new species.

The wonders of the Arabian Peninsula are prominently featured throughout the galleries, linking regional natural history to the global narrative. Visitors can also look forward to the upcoming Zayed National Museum, opening on 3 December, which chronicles the history of the UAE and the vision of its founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Designed by British architect Norman Foster, the museum presents a historical journey from 300,000 years ago to the present day. Its collection includes archaeological finds, cultural artifacts, and a reconstructed Bronze Age merchant ship that once sailed the Arabian Gulf. Among the 1,500 objects on display is the worlds oldest pearl, The Abu Dhabi Pearl, radiocarbon-dated between 5800 and 5600 BCE, highlighting the regions rich heritage.

Author: Connor Blake