If you’re a parent or caregiver looking for enriching and educational experiences for your little ones, you’re in for a treat. Sharjah, the cultural capital of the United Arab Emirates, is not only known for its rich history and stunning architecture but also for its vibrant museum scene.
In this blog, we’re going to take you on a journey through the “5 Best Museums in Sharjah for Kids.” These museums aren’t just dusty collections of artefacts; they’re interactive, entertaining, and designed to ignite the curiosity and imagination of children.
So, fasten your seatbelts because we’re about to embark on a thrilling exploration of the best museums that Sharjah has to offer for kids of all ages!
Sharjah Science Museum
Location : Al Abar area on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Road leading to Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
Phone:+971(6)-566 8777
Opening Hours : Saturday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Facilities:
- Café
- Prayer Room
- Gift Shop
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Baby Changing Table
- Wheelchair Access
- Wi-Fi
- Mothers Room
The Sharjah Science Museum, which opened on April 17, 1996, provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
At the museum, you can unleash your imagination and put your scientific knowledge and skills to the test. You can engage in hands-on experiments, learn about natural laws, delve into thermal physics, physiology, and aerodynamics, and even participate in electrifying demonstrations. Additionally, the museum allows you to unravel the mysteries of space and discover your own potential and capabilities through interactive exhibits.
With over 50 interactive displays, engaging programs, and special events for children, the Sharjah Science Museum aims to encourage innovation and creativity in its visitors.
Sharjah Art Museum
Location : Arts Area, Al- Shuwaihiyeen, near Al-Corniche post office – Heart of Sharjah.
Telephone :+971(6)-568 8222
Opening Hours : Saturday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Facilities:
- Lift
- Café
- Mothers Room
- Gift Shop
- Library
- Restrooms
- Baby Changing Table
- Wheelchair Access
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
The Sharjah Art Museum, which opened its doors on April 17, 1997, is a must-visit destination for kids and art enthusiasts alike.
Within this captivating museum, you can immerse yourself in a world of beauty, creativity, and artistic expression. Explore the region’s history through the captivating masterpieces created by local painters and Arab artists who have significantly contributed to the Arab art scene. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a diverse array of temporary exhibitions and art events.
Additionally, the Art Library within the museum boasts an impressive collection of over 4,000 titles in Arabic, English, and other languages, complemented by visual and audio materials.
The museum’s permanent collections, displayed on the fourth wing of the first floor, feature a mesmerizing collection of modern and contemporary Arab art. This collection includes works by renowned artists from the Middle East, such as Abdulqader Al Rais, Louay Kayali, Bashir Sinwar, Faiq Hassan, Mohammed Yusuf, and Ismail Fatah Al-Turk.
One of the notable exhibitions you can enjoy is “A Century in Flux: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation Exhibition,” running from May 12, 2018, to May 30, 2023.
Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
Location : Al Majarrah area in Heart of Sharjah.
Phone :+971(6)-565 5455
Opening Hours : Saturday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Facilities:
- Lift
- Library
- Mothers Room
- Café
- Prayer Room
- Gift Shop
- Parking
- Audio Guide
- Restrooms
- Baby Changing Table
- Wheelchair Access
- Wi-Fi
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, originally inaugurated in the Heritage Area in 1996, underwent a transformation directed by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It was relocated to the traditional Souq Al Majarrah and reopened as the “Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization” in June 2008.
The museum is a significant cultural and tourist destination due to its unique location. It is also the first of its kind in the United Arab Emirates.
The museum houses an extensive collection of over five thousand historical artefacts that showcase the rich Islamic Civilization from the 7th to the 20th century AD.
The museum comprises seven spacious galleries and display areas, each with a unique focus:
- The Abu Bakr Gallery of Islamic Faith introduces the principles of Islam, including the five pillars and rituals like Hajj and Umrah. It also features artefacts related to the Ka’aba and historical Quran manuscripts.
- The Ibn Al-Haytham Gallery of Science and Technology highlights influential Islamic scientific achievements, including astronomy, medicine, mathematics, and engineering, through three-dimensional models, audiovisuals, and information panels.
- Islamic Art Gallery 1 displays pottery, metalwork, woodcarving, manuscripts, and textiles dating back to the 7th to 13th centuries AD, reflecting the expansion of Islamic culture and the blending of various influences.
- Islamic Art Gallery 2 showcases artworks from the 12th to 19th centuries AD, including items from the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal civilisations, illustrating the cultural exchanges of that era.
- Islamic Art Galleries 3-4 exhibit arts, crafts, and weapons used between the 19th and 20th centuries AD, reflecting changes in styling and quality as well as the transition of traditional weapons into ceremonial and collectible items.
- The Islamic Coins Display presents an outstanding collection of early Islamic coins, providing insights into their historical significance.
- The Al Majarrah Temporary Exhibition Gallery hosts world-class temporary exhibitions twice a year, offering visitors a dynamic and ever-changing experience.
Sharjah Discovery Centre
Location : Airport Road – between the 4th and the 5th intersection – opposite Sharjah Classic Cars Museum and Sharjah International Airport.
Telephone :+971(6)-558 6577
Opening Hours : Saturday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Facilities:
- Café
- Prayer Room
- Gift Shop
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Baby Changing Table
- Wheelchair Access
- Wi-Fi
- Mothers Room
The Sharjah Discovery Centre, established in 1999, is a captivating destination in Sharjah for children aged 3 to 12. It combines entertainment with learning, offering kids the chance to explore scientific and technological concepts in a fun environment.
The Centre also has a theatre for shows and competitions, as well as rooms for activities like crafts and workshops. Some notable sections include Water World, where kids can race small boats and learn about jellyfish, and the Sharjah Kids International Airport, which takes children on an imaginative journey to famous landmarks. Body World teaches them about human anatomy, while Build Town stimulates their creativity with construction blocks. Drive Town focuses on road safety awareness, and Sports World offers various games and activities. The TV Studio allows children to create and record programs.
Additionally, the Centre has areas like a Supermarket for learning about a balanced diet, a Storyteller section for educational stories, and other activities. However, it is important to note that as of this writing, the museum is closed until further notice, so make sure to contact them or visit their website to be informed.
Sharjah Maritime Museum
Location : Sharjah Maritime Museum is in Al Khan, adjacent to Sharjah Aquarium.
Phone: +971(6)-522 2002
Opening Hours : Saturday to Thursday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Facilities:
- Lift
- Library
- Mothers Room
- Prayer Room
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Baby Changing Table
- Wheelchair Access
- Wi-Fi
- ATM
The Sharjah Maritime Museum, initially established in 2003 in the Heritage Area and later relocated to a new building in Al Khan in 2009, offers a compelling reason to pay a visit. This museum provides a fascinating journey through Sharjah’s rich maritime history and heritage, shedding light on the profound influence of the sea on the lives and customs of Sharjah’s residents.
At the Sharjah Maritime Museum, you can delve into the captivating world of the deep sea. It offers insights into traditional fishing methods, sea shanties, pearl diving, and trade expeditions in the United Arab Emirates. The museum presents a diverse array of sea-related aspects that have left a profound impact on Sharjah’s heritage and the development of coastal cities for over 6,000 years.
Visitors can explore the traditional wooden seafaring dhows that were used for fishing, trading, and pearl diving. Additionally, the museum showcases the allure of genuine Arabian pearls collected by ancestors from the deep blue waters of the Gulf.
Final Thoughts
These museums offer a chance for kids to step out of their everyday routines and embark on exciting adventures of the mind. Whether discovering the mysteries of the natural world, exploring the history and heritage of the region, or immersing themselves in the arts, these museums foster a love for learning that will stay with them throughout their lives.
So, the next time you find yourself in Sharjah, don’t miss the opportunity to visit these fantastic museums. Your kids will thank you for the memories and knowledge gained.
