Abu Dhabi is opening its museums doors for free this weekend, giving you even more things to do in Abu Dhabi
- Abu Dhabi Review
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- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
In celebration of International Museum Day on 18 May, Abu Dhabi is opening the doors to some of its biggest cultural landmarks for free from Saturday, 16 May 2026, to Monday, 18 May 2026, giving you even more things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
This means you get three days of museum visits, heritage stops, and indoor exploring, and it won’t cost you a dirham.
Here’s where you can spend a some hours soaking up the culture of our city:
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Take a trip to Louvre Abu Dhabi, where you’ll get to see historical artefacts, international artworks, and contemporary installations under the iconic dome. Make sure you check out the Picasso Exhibition which features over 10 of the artist’s pieces, and don’t forget to take a pic for the ‘gram at the museum’s famous Water Runway.
The museum has guided tours if you want more detail, or you can explore by yourself in your own time.
When: 16 - 18 May
Time: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm (Free thematic tours)
Children’s Workshops: 11 am - 3 pm
For more information, visit: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/whats-on#internationalmuseumday2026
Natural History Museum
Take yourselves on a 13.8 billion-year journey from the big bang to the future of earth, and along the way discover a 7 billion year old meteorite, Stan - the museum’s T-Rex, and the skeleton of a Blue Whale. There’s two temporary exhibitions to catch while you are there - The March of the Triceratops, where you’ll discover the first herd of the dinosaur species, and the 61st Wildlife Photographer of the Year installation, featuring 100 photos on loan from London’s museum from global photographers.
When: 16 - 18 May
Zayed National Museum
This is your chance to dive into the UAE’s rich history and culture. Once you’ve taken your photos of the museum’s exterior (five steel structures that are shaped like flacon’s wings in flight), you can step inside and learn all about the UAE's 300,000 years of history and the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. There’s a traditional Magan boat, Abu Dhabi’s oldest pearl and six permanent exhibitions. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the Sheikh’s old school Mercedes that used to travel across the dunes.
When: 16 - 18 May
Time: 10 am - 8 pm
Book your spot in advance: https://tickets.zayednationalmuseum.ae/en/product-details?id=d935956e-ac4a-f111-bec7-7ced8dac09d4
Qasr Al Hosn
The oldest building in Abu Dhabi will open its doors to its historic spaces with a variety of activities for the whole family. The "Children’s Takeover" lets kids aged 10 and over step into traditional museum roles like tour guides or photographers. You can also see live demonstrations at the House of Artisans, from Khoos weaving to Talli, along with tours of the inner fort and palace.
Where: Al Hosn Site
When: 17 May
Time: 9 am - 6 pm
More info here: https://qasralhosn.ae/
Al Maqta'a Museum
Housed within the Al Maqta’a Fort, the museum's exhibits include vintage police vehicles, period uniforms and archival materials, while the 18th-century Al Maqta’a Tower - one of Abu Dhabi’s earliest defensive structures - still stands in the waterway just outside. On International Museum Day, university students can take part in a unique experience exploring career opportunities in the cultural sector, where they’ll spend a day discovering how the museum operates, and gain hands-on practical experience
When: 18 May
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Al Ain Museum
The UAE’s oldest museum features archaeological discoveries, artefacts, and historical collections where you can learn about oasis life, trade, crafts, and cultural traditions. While you are in the area, check out Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Oasis, and the surrounding historic sites - you won’t regret it.
When: 16 - 18 May
Time: 9 am - 7 pm
More info:https://www.alainmuseum.ae/en
Delma Museum
Located 42km off the coast of Abu Dhabi in Al Dhafra Region, the museum will be hosting ‘Cultural Pathway to the Future’ event, where youngsters can train to lead visitor tours and take part in short sessions that connect the heritage experience with future skills and opportunities
When: 18 May
Cultural Foundation
Take your kids for an interactive experience with a guided tour, and the chance to step into three roles that bring the foundation’s space to life.. They’ll explore how books move through a library and create their own collections, learn how cultural treasures are cared for and protected, and experience stories from Emirati heritage through performance and movement.
For Kids aged 5-16
Where: Al Hosn site
When: 18 May
Time: 10 am - 3 pm
Register here:
