What to see at the best art museums and galleries in Dubai

The best art museums in Dubai offer quite a range, from esteemed historical works to multi-sensory experiences that transport you straight into the next century. Art in Dubai often aligns with the futuristic pulse of the city, whether it’s housed in the sky-scraping Burj Khalifa or sprawling across multiple city blocks, like the gallery-packed Alserkal Avenue and the neighborhood-spanning Dubai Street Museum.

As you make your way through the many things to do in Dubai, like taking a trip to the Museum of the Future, you’ll find that the city’s forward-looking mindset is increasingly driven by the power of art. Here are the things art lovers shouldn't miss.

Dubai’s best art museums at a glance

Best for all the senses: Arte Museum Dubai

Best for urban art: Dubai Street Museum

Best for world-class art and views: Majestic Arts Gallery in Burj Khalifa

1. Museum of the Future 

Best for family fun

Why should I visit the Museum of the Future?

Standing out among Dubai’s sleek skyline is one of the best art museums in Dubai: the Museum of the Future. While this state-of-the-art space is heavy on science, it also uses immersive art and interactive displays to spark creativity and curiosity. Learn about AI, space travel, and sustainability. And say “hi” to the museum’s resident robots.

How long can I spend at the Museum of the Future?

Give yourself about 2–3 hours.

Most famous work at the Museum of the Future?

Designed by Shaun Killa Design, the building's stunning architecture is a masterpiece on its own.

Insider tip 

If you have kids in tow, carve out time for the “Future Heroes” interactive play area.

Address and opening hours

Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Center, Dubai. Open every day, 9:30 AM–9:00 PM.

2. Arte Museum Dubai

Best for all the senses

Why should I visit Arte Museum Dubai?

It’s easy to forget you’re in the middle of the sprawling Dubai Mall when immersed in the multi-sensory exhibitions at Arte Museum Dubai. The theme is “Eternal Nature,” with thrilling digital art installations that allow you to slip into an infinite waterfall, sacred forest, or starry beach — with all the sights, sounds, and smells (recreated by renowned perfumer Marianne Nawrocki Sabatier) that come with them.

How long can I spend at the Arte Museum Dubai?

Estimate about 90 minutes for the full experience.

Insider tip 

Visit before 1:00 PM or after 9:00 PM to avoid the crowds.

Address and opening hours

Dubai Mall, Level 2 Financial Center Rd, Dubai. Open Monday-Thursday, 10:00 AM-11:00 PM; Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-midnight. 

3. Alserkal Avenue

Best for gallery-hopping

Why should I visit Alserkal Avenue?

The vibrant area on and around Alserkal Avenue packs in some of the hippest art galleries in Dubai. Duck into the street's spacious Leila Heller Gallery to see works by international stars, the Zawyeh Gallery to support Palestinian up-and-comers, or Gallery Isabelle to enjoy exhibitions by Middle Eastern creatives.

How long can I spend at Alserkal Avenue?

Plan to spend at least 2 hours in the area.

Most famous artwork at Alserkal Avenue?

Keep an eye out for the most buzzed-about piece at the Leila Heller Gallery, the largest art gallery in the Middle East. 

Insider tip 

You can make a day of exploring the Alserkal Avenue area, which teems with trendy cafes, artisan bakeries, specialty boutiques, bookstores, and more. 

Address and opening hours

17th St, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai. General hours are 10:00 AM–7:00 PM. Individual art galleries may have different hours, so be sure to look them up in advance.

4. Dubai Street Museum

Best for urban art

Why should I visit the Dubai Street Museum?

This free outdoor gallery in Dubai’s Al Satwa neighborhood has expanded since 2016, when a group of local and international street artists began creating large murals to reflect the history and culture of Dubai. The government-sponsored project continues to grow throughout the Jumeirah district and beyond. 

How long can I spend at the Dubai Street Museum?

Allow about an hour to see the original murals along 2nd December Street. 

Most famous work at the Dubai Street Museum?

Be on the lookout for the two children peeking through the windows in an otherwise unassuming building.

Insider tip 

After a walk along 2nd December Street, make your way to Jumeirah Road to see newer murals stretching from the Dubai Canal to the Burj Al Arab.

Address and opening hours

2nd December St, Dubai. Open 24 hours.

5. Majestic Arts Gallery in Burj Khalifa

Best for world-class art and views

Why should I visit the Majestic Arts Gallery?

See some of the world’s most valuable art pieces in the world’s tallest building at the Majestic Arts Gallery. Located 150 floors up in the Burj Khalifa, this most exclusive of art galleries in Dubai showcases some of the rarest artwork in the world, including paintings that date back to the Renaissance — all with amazing views to boot.

How long can I spend at the Majestic Arts Gallery?

Give yourself at least 1–2 hours.

Most famous artworks at the Majestic Arts Gallery?

The collection changes often and has featured rare pieces from Renaissance masters like da Vinci and Raphael, as well as modern icons like Monet, Van Gogh, and Warhol.

Insider tip 

Anyone is free to visit, but you need to make an appointment beforehand.

Address and opening hours

150th Floor Burj Khalifa Tower, Dubai. Majestic Arts Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Appointment required.

6. Jameel Arts Centre

Best for contemporary art

Why should I visit the Jameel Arts Centre?

The Jameel Arts Centre is an evolving hub for innovation and creativity — and it’s free to visit. Located at the Jaddaf Waterfront, this independent institution spotlights established and emerging artists from around the world. The complex also hosts reading groups, performances, films, and other cultural events.  

How long can I spend at the Jameel Arts Centre?

Reserve about 1–2 hours to see the latest installations. 

Most famous artworks at the Jameel Arts Centre?

The revolving collection of modern art has featured works from local stars like Shaikha Al Mazrou and international artists such as Mario Garcia Torres.

Insider tip 

Don’t miss the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park: an open-air park with exhibits, a play area, an amphitheater, and plenty of food trucks.

Address and opening hours

Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai. Open Saturday-Thursday, 10:00 AM–8:00 PM; Friday, noon-8:00 PM.

FAQs

1. Are there any free Dubai art museums?

Yes, the Dubai Street Museum, the Majestic Arts Gallery, the many galleries around Alserkal Avenue, and the Jameel Arts Centre are a few Dubai art museums free to visitors.

2. How much does it cost to go to an art museum in Dubai?

Tickets can cost up to 150 AED (40 USD).

3. What art museum in Dubai is best for families?

For immersive art that engages the senses, Arte Museum and Museum of the Future are some of the most family-friendly activities in Dubai.

4. What is the most unique art gallery in Dubai?

Head to the Burj Khalifa to see spectacular art installations in and around the building. If you're an art dealer or connoisseur, make an appointment to visit the exclusive Majestic Arts Gallery. 

5. Which Dubai art museum is best for wheelchair users?

One of the best museums in Dubai, the Museum of the Future is wheelchair accessible and grants free admission to disabled visitors (the term used locally for people with disabilities or additional learning needs is “people of determination”) and one caregiver. Proof of eligibility may be requested.