Sharjah Museums Authority – SMA (Sharjah Museums Department – SMD previously) was established in 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as an independent government department.
Vision
To be a cultural beacon that enhances Sharjah’s identity locally and internationally and contribute in nurturing a community aware of museums’ importance as a cultural, educational and enjoyable destination.
Mission
Deliver the highest museum standards to preserve collections & enhance an appreciation of culture and learning through our exhibitions, educational and community programs.
Why you should visit Sharjah Art Museum
Enjoy a world of artistic wonder and creativity spread over large spacious galleries that welcome you throughout the year. This unique museum offers art lovers and all visitors, the opportunity to admire the splendor of a variety of collections and temporary exhibitions hosted by the museum, and also participate in the museum’s regular program and workshops.
A world of beauty, art and creativity
With the opening of this stunning museum, you can now visit one of the largest art exhibitions in the Gulf region, which contains permanent collections and paintings by renowned artists. You can explore the history of the region through the fascinating masterpieces of local painters and Arab artists who have left an important mark in the local and Arab art world.
Explore a three-storey museum dedicated to showcasing artistic creations and collections of more than 500 artworks of various mediums and techniques, featuring a range of expressive techniques that will spur your imagination. Throughout the year, the museum holds a variety of temporary exhibitions and art events. The Art Library consists of over 4000 titles in Arabic, English and other languages, along with visual and audio materials.
Plan Your Visit
Admission to the museum is free.
Normal Museum Opening Hours
Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Timings are subject to change during public holidays and Ramadan.
The Museum is closed on the following occasions:
- 29th & 30th of Ramadan ( Islamic calendar)
- First day of Eid Al-Fitr ( Islamic calendar)
- First day of Eid Al Adha ( Islamic calendar)
Other Opening Hours:
Museum Hours in Ramadan:
Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM & 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday: Closed
Museum Café:
Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Museum Gift Shop:
Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Museum library:
Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Location:
The Sharjah Art Museum is located in a strategic location in the city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. To be more specific, it is located in the Heart of Sharjah, the Arts Area, Al-Shuwaihean, opposite of Emirates Fine Arts Society. The museums is surrounded by heritage buildings, and residents and tourists can wander through the winding alleyways to explore the traditional and antique souks and shops.
Find how long it will take you to reach Sharjah Art Museum from the other Emirates:
- Abu Dhabi 2 hr 10 min (165 km)
- Dubai 30 min (25 km)
- Ajman 20 min (16 km)
- Umm AlQuwain 30 min (20 km)
- Ras Al-Khaimah 1 hr (82 km)
- Fujairah 1 hr 15 min (107 km)
*note: these timings may change/differ due to occasional traffic.
Landmarks around the museum/area:
- Sharjah Art Foundation
- Emirates Fine Arts Society
- Sharjah Art Institute
- Souk Al Bahar
- Sharjah Corniche
Groups and Trours
Sharjah Art Museum welcomes all group visits!
All group visits are welcome to Sharjah Art Museum. However, prior booking is essential to avoid overcrowding.
You can visit the museum as a self-guided group, organizing your tour as you see suitable, or you can follow a tour led by one of the museum’s official guides by asking the reception desk.
Visitor Services
- Free Wi-Fi available in the museum’s reception area, library and café.
- Free guided tours available in Arabic and English upon request.
- Elevator
- Mother’s room
- Baby changing room
- Wheel chair access
- Gift Shop
- Cafe
Museum Policies
- Our polices aim to intreduce our visitors to a series of terms and procedures that will allow the best use of our museums’ facilities and ensure the safety of the collections and visitors at all times.
- Academic Research PolicyFill the Academic Research Form here
- Download Photography & Filming PolicyFill the Photography & Filming Form here
