The best museums in Sharjah cover Islamic civilisation, art, calligraphy, aviation, maritime history, classic cars and science, and most are cheap or free. Sharjah has long positioned itself as the UAE’s cultural capital, and its museums are run mostly by the Sharjah Museums Authority, so tickets, hours and holiday closures follow a similar pattern. This guide covers 10 museums and heritage sites worth visiting, what each one offers, current ticket and opening-hour guidance, which are free and how to plan a half-day or full-day museum route.
Which Sharjah Museums Should You Visit First?
If you only have time for two, visit the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the free Sharjah Art Museum, then add the Al Mahatta Museum if you like aviation or the Science Museum if you have children. The Heart of Sharjah district keeps several of the museums within walking distance of each other, so you can combine them with the old souks and the Corniche in a single day.
Sharjah Museums at a Glance
- Best overall: Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
- Best free museum: Sharjah Art Museum
- Best for children: Sharjah Science Museum and its planetarium
- Best for history: Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Bait Al Naboodah and Sharjah Fort
- Best for something different: Al Mahatta Museum, the Classic Cars Museum and the Maritime Museum
- Typical hours: Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm
- Prices: low, with most tickets around AED 5 to 10 and some museums free
10 Best Museums in Sharjah
1. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization
This is the city’s flagship museum, on the Al Majarrah waterfront in the Heart of Sharjah. The first Islamic museum opened in the Heritage Area in 1996, and the current museum opened in 2008 in the renovated Souq Al Majarrah building. It holds more than 5,000 artefacts across several galleries, covering Islamic faith, art, calligraphy, coins, manuscripts, weaponry and the scientific achievements of the Islamic world. Recent listings give the ticket price as AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children aged 2 to 12, with younger children free, and entry is free in Ramadan and on International Museum Day (18 May). Allow two to three hours. See our guide to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
2. Sharjah Art Museum
The Sharjah Art Museum is in the Al Shuwaihean area of the Heart of Sharjah, in an old building with three floors of galleries. Its permanent collection includes works by prominent Arab artists such as Abdulqader Al Rais, Obaid Sorour and Louay Kayali, and it hosts temporary exhibitions through the year. Admission is free, which makes it one of the best free things to do in the emirate, and it also has a library of Arabic and English art books.
3. Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
The Calligraphy Museum in the Heart of Sharjah displays Arabic and Islamic calligraphy by local and international artists, including work in classical scripts such as Kufic on materials such as canvas, wood and ceramic. It suits anyone interested in Arabic script and design. Check the current ticket price and hours before you go.
4. Al Mahatta Museum
Al Mahatta Museum is in Sharjah’s old airport building, which opened in 1932 as a stop on the route linking Europe, India and Australia. The museum tells the story of early aviation in the region through historic aircraft, photographs and exhibits about Imperial Airways, and it is a good fit for aviation fans. The opening hours follow the usual Sharjah Museums Authority pattern.
5. Sharjah Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum explores the sea trade, pearling and fishing traditions that shaped life on the Gulf coast, with traditional dhows, anchors and diving equipment on display. It is a good stop for families and for anyone interested in the region’s pre-oil economy. See our guide to the Sharjah Maritime Museum.
6. Sharjah Classic Cars Museum
The Classic Cars Museum opened in 2008 and displays more than 100 vintage vehicles from the early 20th century, with the oldest dating from 1915. The collection is arranged by period and includes early motor cars, mid-century models and larger vehicles such as taxis from the UAE’s motoring history. It is a good choice for car lovers and for families with teenagers.
7. Sharjah Science Museum
The Science Museum is aimed at children and families, with interactive exhibits, workshops and a planetarium that explains stars and galaxies. Plan around the show times and workshops, and check what is open on the day, since some areas close for events or maintenance.
8. Sharjah Archaeology Museum
This museum traces the lifestyle of people living in the area from the Stone Age to the rise of Islam, using finds from sites across the emirate. It is a good choice if you want to understand how old human settlement in the UAE is.
9. Bait Al Naboodah
Bait Al Naboodah is a restored merchant family house in the Heart of Sharjah, showing how a wealthy pearl-trading family lived in the early 20th century. It is a short stroll from the Islamic Civilization Museum and gives a quiet look at traditional architecture and domestic life.
10. Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn)
Al Hisn is the old fort that once guarded the city and served as the ruler’s residence. It has been restored as a museum of Sharjah’s history and sits at the centre of the Heart of Sharjah district, close to the souks and the Corniche, so it works well as the start or end of a heritage route.
Which Museums Are Free?
The Sharjah Art Museum offers free admission, and many other museums are free on certain days, including the whole of Ramadan, International Museum Day on 18 May and national holidays such as Martyr’s Day and UAE National Day. Ticket prices elsewhere are low, so a day of museum-hopping rarely costs more than a few dozen dirhams.
How Much Do Sharjah Museums Cost?
- Free: Sharjah Art Museum, plus museums on free-entry days
- Low cost: the Museum of Islamic Civilization at about AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children
- Other museums: usually in a similar low price range, so check the official Sharjah Museums Authority website for the current price
Prices and hours can change, and Ramadan hours are shorter, so check before you go.
Best Time to Visit Sharjah’s Museums
- Best season: November to March, when walking between sites is comfortable
- Quietest: weekday mornings
- Summer: a very good time for museums, which are air-conditioned
- Fridays: most museums open only in the afternoon and evening
- Ramadan: hours change and some sites close on the last days, so plan ahead
How to Plan Your Museum Day
If you have 2 hours
Visit the Museum of Islamic Civilization, then walk to the Heart of Sharjah and see the Art Museum.
If you have half a day
Combine the Islamic Civilization Museum, the Art Museum, Bait Al Naboodah and Sharjah Fort in the Heart of Sharjah, with lunch in a heritage cafe.
If you have a full day
Add Al Mahatta Museum and either the Science Museum or the Classic Cars Museum, depending on who you are travelling with. For more ideas, see our guides to attractions in Sharjah and Sharjah.
Practical Tips
- Dress modestly, since Sharjah is more conservative than Dubai and alcohol is not sold.
- Check the official Sharjah Museums Authority website for current opening hours, closures and ticket prices.
- Carry some cash and an ID, because small museums may not accept cards.
- Use taxis or the museum shuttle where available, because the sites are spread over different parts of the city.
- Choose Sharjah as a day trip from Dubai. Our guide to Dubai or Sharjah explains the differences.
- If you have children, our guide to the parks in Sharjah has places to relax between museums.
Museums in Sharjah: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best museum in Sharjah?
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is the best overall, with the Art Museum as the best free option.
Are museums in Sharjah free?
The Art Museum is free, and many others offer free entry in Ramadan and on special days.
How much is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization?
About AED 10 for adults and AED 5 for children aged 2 to 12, with younger children free.
What are the opening hours of Sharjah museums?
Usually Saturday to Thursday from 8 am to 8 pm and Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm, with changes during Ramadan.
Which museum in Sharjah is best for children?
The Science Museum and its planetarium are the best for children.
How many days do you need for Sharjah’s museums?
One day covers the main museums in the Heart of Sharjah, and a second day lets you add the others.
Is Sharjah worth a day trip from Dubai?
Yes. It is about 30 to 45 minutes away and is the UAE’s cultural centre.
Final Thoughts
Sharjah’s museums are inexpensive, well organised and different from the glitz of Dubai, which makes the emirate an excellent day trip for anyone who wants culture. Start with the Islamic Civilization Museum and the Art Museum, add one specialist museum that suits your interests and leave time for the souks and the Corniche. For a wider view of the region, read our guide to the cities in the UAE.
