Abu Dhabi unveils Natural History Museum, a breathtaking journey through time

A new era begins as Abu Dhabi’s Natural History Museum opens to public

Last updated: November 22, 2025 | 07:40

2 MIN READ

The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi opens in the Saadiyat Cultural District, showcasing rare wonders from across time. Featured here are two Tyrannosaurus rex skeletons — among the world’s most complete and exceptionally well-preserved specimens ever discovered — now on display for visitors.

Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi

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Ahead of its public opening, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, toured the new museum on Thursday.

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A dynamic entrance plaza, framed by indigenous trees and striking architecture, welcomes visitors to explore “Nature’s Greatest Story” at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi — a landmark cultural destination celebrating the wonders, history and future of our planet.

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The museum features a magnificent 25-metre female Blue Whale (Balaenoptera musculus) skeleton, composed of 189 expertly preserved bones — a breathtaking centrepiece that highlights the scale and majesty of the world’s largest animal.

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Arabia’s Climate, featured in Act 1B – The Evolving World: Cenozoic, explores the rise of mammals, the evolution of surviving species, shifting landforms, and a special look at what Abu Dhabi’s environment looked like seven million years ago

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Bryde’s Whale: An endangered whale species commonly found in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, recognised for its sleek form and distinctive dorsal fin.

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Striking white geometric forms shape the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, designed by Mecanoo to reflect architecture inspired by nature, sustainability, and the emirate’s forward-looking cultural vision.

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March of the Triceratops: A remarkable herd of five Triceratops — considered the first-ever Triceratops group discovered within a single nest — offers rare insight into the social behaviour of these iconic dinosaurs.

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Ash Shaqqah 002 Meteorite: A dark-grey rock with a distinct fusion crust, discovered during a falconry trip north of the Jughbub Oasis — a striking specimen that highlights the dramatic journey of meteorites through Earth’s atmosphere.

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Bilingual signage and a bold bronze entrance welcome visitors to the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, reflecting a celebration of knowledge, discovery and the deep-rooted heritage of the Emirates.

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Covering an area of more than 35,000 sqm, lead architects Mecanoo designed the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi to resonate with natural rock formations, reflecting the museum’s goal of improving understanding of and engagement with the natural world.

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