About Sharjah Museums
Sharjah, the UAE's cultural capital, operates 20+ world-class museums covering art, science, Islamic civilization, archaeology, heritage, and maritime history. Highlights include the Museum of Islamic Civilization (5,000+ artifacts), Sharjah Art Museum (largest in UAE), and specialized venues like Sharjah Classic Car Museum and Arabian Wildlife Centre. Most museums are free or very affordable, managed by Sharjah Museums Authority with excellent curation and English signage. Pair this stop with the Sharjah guide and the wider United Arab Emirates overview.
⏰ Opening Hours & Best Times
- Most museums: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Saturday-Thursday, 4:00-8:00 PM Friday
- Some close: Monday or Tuesday (varies by museum)
- Best time: Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) less crowded
- Plan: 2-3 museums per day maximum, each needs 1-2 hours
- Combined tickets: Some offer multi-museum passes at discount
💰 Costs
- Most museums: Free or AED 10 ($2.70)
- Museum of Islamic Civilization: AED 15 ($4)
- Sharjah Aquarium: AED 25 ($7)
- Sharjah Discovery Centre: AED 15 (kids' science museum)
- Guided museum tours: AED 400-700 ($109-190) for 3-4 hours visiting multiple sites
Incredible value: Most museums free/cheap compared to Western museums. Multi-museum tours best with guides for context.
🎯 Why Use a Guide
- Historical context: Understand Islamic art, Emirati heritage, regional history
- Museum selection: 20+ options overwhelming - guides curate based on interests
- Efficient routing: Museums spread across city, guides plan logical routes
- Art expertise: Contemporary Arab art needs cultural context for full appreciation
- Combined heritage: Integrate museums with Heart of Sharjah walking tours
- Language support: While signage in English, guides provide deeper insights
✨ Don't Miss
- 🕌 Museum of Islamic Civilization: Golden dome building, 5,000+ artifacts, Islamic innovations gallery
- 🎨 Sharjah Art Museum: Contemporary Arab art, 19th-century Orientalist paintings
- 🏛️ Sharjah Archaeology Museum: 7,000-year history of region from Stone Age
- 🏘️ Sharjah Heritage Museum: Traditional Emirati life, customs, pearl diving
- 🚗 Classic Car Museum: Vintage vehicles from ruler's collection
- 🚢 Sharjah Maritime Museum: Pearl diving, dhow building, seafaring heritage
- 🔬 Sharjah Science Museum: Interactive exhibits for kids and families
📝 Practical Tips
- Start with Islamic Civilization: Best overview of regional culture and history
- Photography usually allowed: Check individual museum policies, no flash
- Dress modestly: Cover shoulders/knees - stricter than Dubai museums
- Friday hours: Many close Friday morning for prayers, open afternoon
- Heart of Sharjah: Cluster of heritage museums in restored old city
- Combine with Al Noor Mosque: Mosque tours Monday mornings, plan accordingly
- Less crowded: Sharjah museums much quieter than Dubai attractions