Sharjah Museums Offer Free Entry on International Museum Day 2025
Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) proudly announces free entry to all its museums on Sunday, May 18, 2025, to celebrate International Museum Day. This annual global event highlights the critical role museums play in preserving cultural heritage, fostering education, and serving communities. In line with this year’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Societies,” SMA has organized a week-long series of engaging activities from May 15 to 22, designed to captivate diverse audiences and underscore the evolving role of museums amid digital and societal transformations.
International Museum Day 2025 shines a spotlight on how museums are adapting to meet the expectations of future generations. Sharjah Museums Authority’s celebrations reflect a commitment to safeguarding intangible heritage, empowering youth, and leveraging innovative technologies to create dynamic, inclusive cultural experiences that resonate with today’s visitors.
Sharjah’s Vision: Museums as Pillars of Knowledge and Identity
The theme aligns seamlessly with the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who regards museums as essential cultural institutions fostering identity, knowledge, and awareness throughout society. Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of SMA, emphasized the significance of International Museum Day in reinforcing the Authority’s dedication to delivering high-quality, inclusive museum experiences that promote lifelong learning and strengthen community bonds.
Sharjah Museums Authority continues to transform its museums into vibrant spaces for dialogue, exploration, and discovery, ensuring the visitor experience remains innovative and accessible. SMA’s approach embraces evolving cultural and digital trends, supporting a broad spectrum of visitors and their unique ways of engaging with heritage.
Engaging Workshops to Inspire Creativity and Learning
Between May 15 and 22, visitors are invited to explore themed, self-guided workshops across Sharjah’s museums. These creative activities include designing the museums of the future, constructing traditional boats, and digitally illustrating marine life. By combining hands-on learning with imaginative play, these workshops encourage curiosity, creativity, and a deeper connection to Sharjah’s rich cultural heritage.
These interactive sessions exemplify SMA’s mission to foster participatory museum experiences where education and entertainment intersect, making cultural exploration accessible and enjoyable for all ages.
Multi-Sensory Museum Experience at City Centre Al Zahia
A centerpiece of the celebrations is the immersive exhibit, “Experience Museums with All Your Senses,” hosted at City Centre Al Zahia from May 15 to 18. This innovative installation invites visitors to engage with Sharjah’s museum collections through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell, creating a powerful, multi-sensory connection to the region’s heritage.
By integrating sensory elements, SMA enhances accessibility and inclusivity, offering visitors a uniquely engaging way to experience culture. This initiative demonstrates SMA’s leadership in pioneering new approaches that broaden the appeal of museums beyond traditional formats.
Storytelling Session: A Walk Through Living Heritage
On May 16, the Sharjah Heritage Museum will host “A Walk Through Living Heritage,” a guided storytelling event led by Mouza Binhdhaiba, also known as Umm Azan, a renowned Emirati heritage expert. Her vivid storytelling brings Emirati traditions and customs to life, enabling participants to connect personally with the emirate’s intangible cultural heritage.
This event underscores the vital role of storytelling in preserving social customs and strengthening community identity, ensuring that cultural knowledge is passed down through generations.
Focus Group on Technology’s Impact in Museums
On May 17, SMA will convene an invitation-only Focus Group Session titled “Innovation in Action: Technology’s Role in Shaping Museum Experiences” at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization. This gathering of experts from diverse fields will explore how emerging technologies can enhance museum engagement and support digital transformation.
SMA’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology—from augmented reality to interactive digital displays—ensures that its museums remain relevant, engaging, and forward-looking while preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
Illuminating Sharjah’s Cultural Landmarks
In a striking display of cultural pride, Sharjah Museums Authority will illuminate several of its iconic landmarks from May 18 to 20, including the SMA Headquarters, Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Sharjah Fort, Sharjah Art Museum, and the Resistance Monument. This symbolic lighting celebration transforms these sites into radiant beacons of heritage, reinforcing Sharjah’s dedication to cultural visibility and community engagement.
This illumination initiative not only beautifies the cityscape but also raises public awareness of the emirate’s historical significance and vibrant cultural landscape.
Museums as Centers for Lifelong Learning and Dialogue
Sharjah Museums Authority continues to cultivate its museums as dynamic centers for cultural exchange, lifelong education, and creative exploration. The inclusive programs and innovative exhibitions encourage visitors from all backgrounds to engage meaningfully with Sharjah’s heritage, supporting the emirate’s position as a regional cultural leader.
By blending tradition with modernity, SMA offers enriching experiences that inspire curiosity and foster understanding across generations, ensuring museums remain vital community assets in rapidly evolving societies.
Strengthening Cultural Identity and Community Engagement
The diverse range of International Museum Day events illustrates SMA’s dedication to deepening the community’s connection to its cultural roots. By combining immersive storytelling, interactive workshops, sensory exhibits, and technology-driven innovation, SMA creates a multi-faceted museum experience that appeals to a wide audience.
This holistic approach reflects the changing role of museums—from static repositories of artifacts to active spaces fostering cultural identity, social dialogue, and community cohesion.
Commitment to Cultural Preservation and Innovation
Sharjah Museums Authority’s comprehensive International Museum Day program highlights its ongoing commitment to cultural preservation and innovation. By promoting accessible, engaging, and technology-enhanced experiences, SMA ensures Sharjah’s museums continue to attract visitors and maintain their relevance in a digital age.
The illumination of landmark buildings and the array of creative activities emphasize SMA’s strategic vision to nurture cultural pride, boost tourism, and safeguard Sharjah’s rich heritage for future generations.
