The Museum of the Future has welcomed one million visitors from 163 countries since opening one year ago.
The landmark attraction launched on February 22, 2022. It has a series of experiences created by designers, artists and filmmakers that combine elements of traditional exhibitions and immersive theatre to present visitors with a future they can explore and interact with.
"We pledged that the Museum of the Future would host one million visitors in its first year,” said the museum's chairman Mohammad Al Gergawi, who is also the Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
“And today we celebrate the achievement of this target and the launch of a new year for the museum, during which we will continue to design the future for a better world for all in the coming years and decades.”
Since its opening, the museum has achieved several other milestones. The seven-storey, 77 metres high structure, has won 10 international awards. It was also listed by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world — before even opening.
It also hosted 180 global activations and events spanning culture, entrepreneurship, space, technology and tourism.
“The Museum of the Future has become a global symbol of the future and a key regional and international hub for the advancement of science and knowledge-sharing,” said Al Gergawi.
Designed by Killa Design, the museum’s unique facade consists of 1,024 stainless steel plates manufactured entirely by robots.
The surface is adorned by Arabic calligraphy designed by the Emirati artist Mattar Bin Lahej.
Bin Lahej used quotes by Sheikh Mohammed, including one that reads: “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone.”
Construction of the Museum of the Future - in pictures
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Shaun Killa, the architect who designed Dubai's Museum of the Future, with a model of the museum at his Killa Design offices in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
An elevation sketch of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design -
A longitude section sketch of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design -
Construction of Museum of the Future. It does not have traditional support columns but is a steel diagrid – a framework of diagonally intersecting metal. Photo: Killa Design -
The floorplan diagram of the Museum of the Future. Photo: Killa Design -
Sophisticated computer modelling was used to design the museum. Photo: Killa Design -
Designers used AI and techniques from aircraft and submarine design to build the structure. Photo: Killa Design -
The Museum of the Future took several years to build. Photo: Killa Design -
The Museum of the Future rising above the Dubai Metro. Victor Besa / The National National -
The Museum of the Future, seen here in 2018, edges higher on the skyline. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The diagrid framework before the facade was added. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The opening ceremony of the Museum of the Future in February 2022. Its stainless steel facade consists of 1,024 pieces. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Visitors explore the Museum of the Future. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Inside the Museum of the Future with its distinctive double staircase on the left. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A futuristic exhibition hall. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
A museum visitor looks out a virtual window to an imagined future Dubai cityscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Museum of the Future is one of Dubai's must-see attractions. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Shaun Killa, of Killa Design, who designed the Museum of the Future. Antonie Robertson / The National
