9 Best Museums in Abu Dhabi You Must Visit in 2025

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Check Out the Coolest Vehicles Ever!

The Emirates National Auto Museum displays a collection of over 200 stunning vehicles, including the Rainbow Mercedes 500 SELs.

Admire What’s Inside and Outside

The art displays inside the museum are amazing, but have you checked out the architectural design of museums like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi?

Visit More Than Just Museums

When you visit a museum in Abu Dhabi, do not just watch the collection, but also attend events, famous exhibitions, poetry nights, concerts, and whatever is being hosted by the famous museums.

If you think that museums are only for people who are deep into ancient stuff, the best museums in Abu Dhabi will surely change your perspective, especially if you have not been a lover of history.

From art to cars, Abu Dhabi museums have the most astonishing pieces. And the best part? Most of these museums allow free entry, which is a perfect way to save some money while exploring Abu Dhabi.

In case you’re planning to travel to the city and haven’t booked your trip, the best travel agency, Next Holidays, can help you book your tickets and accommodation. Even better, you can straightaway get a tour package.

9 Best Museums in Abu Dhabi You Shouldn’t Miss

These nine top museums in Abu Dhabi not only hold historical significance but also are a part of the UAE’s soul. When you visit these places, you will get to know the UAE as a whole.

1. Louvre Abu Dhabi

Price Range: AED 50 onwards per person

The Arab World’s first universal museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, is the result of a cultural collaboration between the United Arab Emirates and France. From the iconic dome to the wide array of collections from various cultures, the Louvre Art Museum Abu Dhabi is renowned for several reasons. If you want to avoid large crowds, we recommend visiting during the early hours of the day. i.e., after 10 AM. Book your Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets now!

Key Highlights

The exhibits showcase the connection between different periods and cultures.
Educational programs include art workshops, lectures, and activities.
Dedicated Children’s Museum

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6:30 PM Tuesday to Thursday, 10 AM to 8:30 PM Friday to Sunday, Closed on Monday

Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi - Saadiyat - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

2. Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi

Price Range: Not yet known

Guggenheim Museum Abu Dhabi is the latest hype of Abu Dhabi since the attraction is expected to open by the end of 2025. It is going to be one of the best museums in Abu Dhabi due to its art collection, which will be a blend of contemporary and modern art. Works by emerging and renowned artists from South Asia, North Africa, and West Asia will be displayed at the museum.

Key Highlights

Designed by Frank Gehry
Cross-cultural dialogue
The Middle Eastern wind towers inspire the museum’s design

Opening Hours: To be announced

Location: Guggenheim Museum, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

3. Manarat Al Saadiyat Museum Abu Dhabi

Price Range: Free Entry

Opened as an exhibition center in 2009, Manarat Al Saadiyat Museum is presently an active community space, playing a major role in Abu Dhabi’s art scene. If you’re someone who loves engaging in community gatherings, check for the dates of any performances, workshops, film screenings, or exhibitions when you are in Abu Dhabi. The museum's current programs focus on media, photography, gaming, animation, music, and film. It is also one of the free museums, with most of its exhibitions open to the public. Additionally, the museum is among the best things to do in Abu Dhabi in summer.

Key Highlights

An Art Studio and three main galleries to host temporary exhibitions
Exhibitions cover topics such as sustainability, sculpture, photography, and contemporary art
A gift shop, a cafe, a restaurant, and a theatre to maximize visitor experience
Free movie screenings every Monday, Thursday, and Sunday at the cinema space

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM Monday to Sunday

Location: Manarat Al Saadiyat Museum - Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Hwy - Al Saadiyat Island - Cultural District - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

4. Warehouse421

Price Range: Free Entry

An arts and cultural center, Warehouse421 is an Abu Dhabi art museum that showcases global, regional, and local artists through various programs, events, and exhibitions. It is popular for its industrial and raw charm, has an edgy and modern vibe, and exposed beams combined with open spaces. The sole motive of Warehouse421 is to support community engagement and creativity, which is why it is a famous spot for performance, music, design, and art. The best time to visit is when there’s an event or an exhibition going on of your interest.

Key Highlights

Collaborations with global artists and institutions
Dynamic exhibitions emphasize topics such as climate change, migration, and identity.
Hosts educational programs, talks, and workshops for mixed audiences
The Artist Development Program provides residencies and exhibitions to emerging artists

Opening Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM Tuesday to Sunday, Closed on Monday

Location: Warehouse421 - Zayed Port - Freezone - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Looking for more sightseeing ideas that don’t break your bank? Here is a list of the top places to visit in Abu Dhabi for free.

5. Emirates National Auto Museum

Price Range: AED 50 onwards per person

The Emirates National Auto Museum is among Abu Dhabi's best museums due to its wide range of vehicles—the museum exhibits more than 200 vehicles, which include unique creations, modern luxury vehicles, classic cars, vintage cars, and more. The most amazing part is that the entire collection displayed here is owned by Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan.

Key Exhibits

World's Largest 4x4 Truck
Rainbow Mercedes collection, including 7 Mercedes 500 SELs, each of a rainbow color
A globe-shaped caravan that has all the facilities for living
An NYPD car
A yellow taxi
Military and custom-built vehicles
Oversized model of a Willys Jeep that holds a world record
European and American limousines and other classic and vintage cars

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM from Wednesday to Monday, Closed on Tuesday

Location: Emirates National Auto Museum - 3CX9+JQR South of Abu Dhabi - Hameem Road - off E11 - Al Bihouth - Al Dhafrah - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

If you’re a fan of cars, why not visit Ferrari World? You can find out the top Ferrari World Facts here.

6. Abu Dhabi Art Hub

Price Range: Free Entry

The Abu Dhabi Art Hub is all about artistic development. One of the best museums in Abu Dhabi, this art space is run by the community and offers various residency programs. The diverse exhibitions make it popular as a supporter of cross-cultural artistic engagements. You can visit any day other than Friday to witness works from international, as well as local artists.

Key Highlights

Beyond Emerging Artists Programme is focused on artists from the UAE
The Pavilion Prize, an annual fair, is designed for university students to exhibit their architectural designs.
Hosts events that foster interaction between the public and the artists.
Exhibition showcasing the connection between Latin Americans and Arabs

Opening Hours: 8 AM to 6 PM Saturday to Thursday, Closed on Friday

Location: Abu Dhabi Art Hub - At Tiblaghah 4 St - Musaffah - MW5 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

7. Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

Price Range: Free Entry

As the name of the museum suggests, Abu Dhabi Heritage Village provides an insight into the conventional Emirati life—the life that existed before the oil industry came into existence here. This is why it is one of the best museums in Abu Dhabi. Run by the Emirates Heritage Club, this place is about recalling the traditional desert lifestyle, and how people used to live back then. When you visit this place, don’t forget to take a camel ride and participate in a workshop related to handicrafts. We recommend visiting between 9 and 11 AM. Otherwise, you are likely to find the place crowded with schoolchildren or tourists. After all, it is among the best tourist places in Abu Dhabi.

Key Exhibits

Bedouin Village depicting the nomadic life
An old souk with small shops selling souvenirs, spices, and crafts
A traditional mosque
Camel rides
Fishing and pearl diving exhibits
Demonstration of crafts, such as metalwork and weaving

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM Saturday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 9 PM on Friday

Location: Abu Dhabi Heritage Village - Abu Dhabi Theatre Rd, Corniche - Breakwater Road - near Marina Mall - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

8. Etihad Modern Art Gallery

Price Range: Free Entry for General Exhibitions

Another famous museum in Abu Dhabi is Etihad Modern Art Gallery, which exhibits a wide array of contemporary and modern art, with a special emphasis on promoting regional talent. The key highlights of the gallery include interactive art experiences, bold abstract sculptures and paintings, and immersive installations. In addition to this, Etihad Modern Art Gallery also hosts various events, such as art discussions, concerts, and poetry nights. So, before you plan a date for your visit to one of the best museums in Abu Dhabi, get information about the latest events on the gallery’s official website.

Key Highlights

Mission to support regional and local artists
Art classes and workshops for all age groups to promote emerging artists
Ranging from traditional techniques to experimental ones

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 6 PM (Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday), Closed on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday

Location: Etihad Modern Art Gallery - Mall Villa - 15 Al Huwelat St - behind Al Bateen - Al Bateen - Area - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

Recommended: What Everyone Ought To Know About Visit Abu Dhabi

9. Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium

Ticket Price: AED 110 per person

The last on our list of the best museums in Abu Dhabi is the Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium. Presently, it is also known as The National Aquarium and is a perfect combination of marine life and history. While the aquarium section of the place is about diverse marine life, the museum section places emphasis on the history of Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Since the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is not so far from this museum, you can plan an outing that covers both places on the same day.

Key Highlights

Artifacts depicting Emirati history and culture
UAE’s history from traditional life to its development as cities
Importance of marine protected areas and display of diverse marine life in the aquarium

Opening Hours: 3 PM to 11 PM Monday to Sunday

Location: Abu Dhabi History Museum and Aquarium - CFFC+6QH - Al Muntazah - Zone 1 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates

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