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
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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.
WAM
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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.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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.
Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
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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.
Mecanoo Architects
Devadasan K PChief Visual Editor
Devadasan K P is the Chief Visual Editor at Gulf News, bringing more than 26 years of experience in photojournalism to the role. He leads the Visual desk with precision, speed, and a strong editorial instinct.
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