Dubai to get a 'floating' DUMA

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, revealed the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), a visionary project developed by the Al-Futtaim Group. Situated above the waters of the Dubai Creek, this groundbreaking cultural hub is designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, marking a new chapter in Dubai’s creative and architectural history.

A Global Hub for Culture and Creativity

The Dubai Museum of Art reflects the city’s ambition to establish itself as a global capital of culture, creativity, and innovation. It aligns with Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of making Dubai a magnet for creative talent, where industries and communities collaborate to drive the creative economy forward. Beyond enhancing Dubai’s cultural diversity, the museum will reinforce its position on the global modern art stage. Through its exhibitions, educational programs, and artistic events, DUMA will act as a dynamic platform for artists worldwide to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and celebrate creativity.

A Unique Architectural Design

The museum’s design is inspired by the sea and the pearl, symbols deeply rooted in Dubai’s heritage. Its curved shell, enclosing a circular exhibition hall, represents unity, discovery, and continuity. A central cylindrical opening allows natural light to cascade throughout the space, evoking the shimmering beauty of a pearl. Rising five stories above the water, the museum’s design seamlessly blends local cultural traditions with modern architectural innovation, creating a structure that is both symbolic and human-centered.

A Platform for Artistic Exchange

Inside, the museum will feature adaptable exhibition galleries on the first and second floors, a restaurant and VIP lounge on the third floor, and additional facilities on the ground and basement levels. Beyond exhibitions, DUMA will host artist talks, panel discussions, art fairs, and educational programs. Purpose-built spaces will allow for a curated calendar of events aimed at fostering dialogue, learning, and creative innovation. The museum will also include a library, study rooms, and specialized training programs to nurture the next generation of creative leaders.

Celebrating Dubai’s Spirit

The Dubai Museum of Art embodies the essence of Dubai—open to the vast sea and sky, while remaining deeply connected to its heritage. It will showcase modern and contemporary art that reflects the city’s diversity and creative energy, using art as a tool to inspire empathy, curiosity, and social transformation. By bridging cultures and fostering innovation, the museum will enrich Dubai’s cultural landscape and strengthen its role as a global leader in the arts.

About the Architect

Tadao Ando, the architect behind DUMA, is celebrated for his minimalist designs that harmonize architecture with nature. A recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1995, Ando’s works are known for their masterful use of light, shadow, and spatial balance. Among his notable projects are the Chichu Art Museum in Japan, the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas. His philosophy of integrating architecture with its environment is central to the design of the Dubai Museum of Art.

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