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Offering panoramic views of the Dubai Creek, the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) is set to become a living, breathing dialogue between art, architecture, and the city’s soul.
The Dubai Museum of Art has been designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
Dubai’s architectural landscape is never short of spectacle, but its newest project, the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA), might just outshine them all. Floating gracefully above the waters of Dubai Creek, this upcoming landmark will be more than a museum; it’s poised to become a living, breathing dialogue between art, architecture, and the city’s soul.
With a design that mirrors both Dubai’s futuristic spirit and its rich heritage, DUMA is set to redefine what a cultural space can look and feel like – where modern creativity and history flow seamlessly together.
Unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the project is described as “a museum that floats above Dubai Creek to reflect the city’s culture, civilisational spirit, and artistic brilliance.” He added that DUMA will “add a new dimension to Dubai’s landmarks and architectural beauty,” while also commending Abdullah Al Futtaim and his son Omar for their role in turning this artistic vision into reality – calling it “a model of private sector responsibility towards its community.”
The museum’s design is the brainchild of Japanese architect Tadao Ando, whose minimalist yet monumental style has shaped some of the world’s most revered art spaces. For DUMA, Ando draws inspiration from Dubai’s elemental landscape: the movement of water, the expanse of sky, and the interplay of wind and light.
Its curving structure resembles a shell cradling a pearl, a poetic tribute to the city’s pearl diving roots and its evolution from a humble coastal village to a global hub of design and creativity. Inside, the museum will house five expansive floors of contemporary and classical art, bringing together international and regional artists. Visitors can also expect a library, learning centre, café, and panoramic terraces offering breathtaking views of Dubai Creek.
Positioned to join icons like the Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, and Mohammed bin Rashid Library, DUMA aims to be a global hub “where the world gathers for art and culture.” Beyond being an architectural marvel, it signals Dubai’s continued investment in creative dialogue, cross-cultural exchange, and the democratisation of art in the region. Once completed, the floating museum will not just reflect Dubai’s skyline; it will redefine it.
Delhi, India, India
October 26, 2025, 17:01 IST
