By Staff Reporter
Dubai has taken a bold step toward cementing its status as a global cultural hub with the unveiling of the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) on 25 October 2025.
The landmark was revealed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Developed by the Al-Futtaim Group on the Dubai Creek, DUMA promises to reshape the city’s creative and architectural landscape.
Designed by world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando, the museum blends modern sensibilities with cultural symbolism. Its curved shell, inspired by the sea and the pearl, encloses a circular exhibition hall representing unity, discovery, and continuity. A central cylindrical opening allows natural light to cascade through the structure, evoking the shimmer of a pearl. Rising five storeys above the water, DUMA includes adaptable galleries, a restaurant, VIP lounge, and dedicated event spaces.
The museum aims to serve as an international platform for artists and creatives. It will host exhibitions, educational programmes, art fairs, and panel discussions, alongside a library, study rooms, and training programmes to nurture future creative leaders. By fostering dialogue and innovation, DUMA aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global destination for creativity and cultural exchange.
Tadao Ando, a 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate, is celebrated for minimalist concrete designs that harmonise with nature through light, shadow, and spatial balance. His past works include the Chichu Art Museum in Japan, the Bourse de Commerce in Paris, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth in Texas.
The Dubai Museum of Art captures the city’s heritage and modern spirit, offering a space where creativity, cultural dialogue, and human experiences converge. It is set to become a defining symbol of Dubai’s ambition to lead on the global arts stage.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
