Sharjah Museums Authority is marking the 30th anniversary of the opening of Sharjah Science Museum under the slogan “Thirty Years of Scientific Achievement”, in a celebration that reflects on the journey of one of the country’s leading interactive science centres since its opening on April 17, 1996, and its continued role in fostering scientific culture and promoting learning based on experimentation and discovery among all segments of society.

The celebration crowns three decades of work to advance scientific knowledge through innovative programmes that blend education with hands-on learning. The museum is one of the most engaging and interactive museums in the UAE, reflecting the pace of scientific and technological change while reinforcing its role as a cultural and educational institution that underpins Sharjah’s standing as a capital for culture in the Arab world.

To mark this historic occasion, Sharjah Science Museum is organising a series of events and interactive programmes throughout the year, with each month dedicated to a specific scientific theme to be announced in due course. 

Activities begin on April 17 and include initiatives family science workshops, and celestial observation sessions, in an enriching experience that combines enjoyment and knowledge, alongside a review of key milestones in the museum’s journey, development and pioneering role.

May will see the launch of the “Science with the Family” initiative, family science workshops and celestial observation sessions, marking the Year of the Family and International Museum Day. 

June will be dedicated to World Environment Day, alongside family science workshops as part of Environment and Sustainability Month, while July will feature “Moon Day” and family science workshops as part of Space and Moon Month. 

August will host the month-long “Summer is Sweeter with the Family” programme as part of the 2026 summer activities, while September will feature the “Science Challenge with Families” programme for people with hearing disabilities, alongside family science workshops, as part of programmes tailored to this group.

October will feature activities for the International Day of Older Persons, celestial observation sessions, family science workshops and World Space Week 2026. November will include the “Science Challenge with Families”, celestial observation sessions and family science workshops as part of Innovation, Child and Family Month. 

The year will conclude in December with special National Day programmes, celestial observation sessions and family science workshops.

Since its establishment, Sharjah Science Museum has stood out as one of the country’s leading educational and cultural institutions, playing a central role in educating generations through an interactive model that transforms science from theoretical concepts into a living experience that speaks to the curiosity of visitors, particularly children and young people. 

The museum was established as part of the enlightened vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who believes that museums are open schools for generations, helping to make Sharjah a cultural beacon with a global presence.

Since its opening, the museum has seen notable growth in the scope of its programmes and scientific content, having from the outset adopted an approach based on presenting science through engaging, interactive methods that allow visitors to experience science for themselves and connect theoretical concepts to everyday life. 

This has been reflected in a steady increase in visitor numbers, underscoring the success of its educational programmes and the breadth of its interactive offerings. Initiatives such as the Summer of Science, innovation-focused events, and seasonal camps have further strengthened its position as a leading interactive educational destination for families and students alike.

The museum has strengthened its presence and impact through co-operation and partnerships with a number of scientific and academic institutions. In addition to its membership in the Arab Planetarium Society, it has built successful partnerships with the Emirates Astronomical Society, the International Astronomical Centre, Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, the Sharjah Academy for Astronomy, Space Sciences and Technology, the Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Initiative, the UAE Board on Books for Young People, Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority, Sharjah Municipality, the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah, Khalifa University, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, among others. These partnerships have enriched the museum’s programmes, broadened its impact and helped deliver educational experiences based on best practice in museum learning.

The museum, houses a range of scientific and educational facilities. In the main exhibition hall, visitors are given the opportunity to engage directly with interactive exhibits covering multiple scientific fields, including physics, biology, astronomy, physiology, sound and light, enhancing practical understanding of scientific concepts through touch, experimentation and discovery. 

The planetarium, one of the first in the country, is also one of the museum’s key attractions, offering interactive astronomy presentations that open a window onto planets, stars and cosmic phenomena, while giving visitors the chance to follow local and international astronomical events through a visually engaging experience. 

This is complemented by the demonstration lecture hall, which hosts around 15 live scientific presentations on topics including static electricity, lasers, cryogenics, the digestive system and the formation of the Earth, as well as simplified shows for children celebrating the wonder and magic of science.

The museum’s education centre plays a pivotal role in supporting its educational mission. It includes a science laboratory, an exploration area and teaching rooms equipped to suit different school stages. The centre offers more than 30 workshops, enabling students to gain in-depth scientific experience in science and technology fields, while welcoming pupils from public and private schools across the country as well as different segments of society.

The museum’s role extends beyond exhibits and workshops to organising a broad range of scientific programmes and activities throughout the year, including interactive family workshops in the evenings, children’s camps during school holidays, events during festivals and public holidays, and temporary exhibitions that keep pace with the latest scientific innovations. 

It also hosts leading scientific figures and diverse programmes linked to international and local occasions such as World Space Week and World Children’s Day. 

The museum further enhances its integrated visitor experience through a range of supporting facilities and services, including a play area for children under the age of four, a thinking and learning corner featuring puzzles and mind games, a café, and an educational gift shop, in addition to facilities designed for people with disabilities and senior visitors, reflecting its commitment to making scientific knowledge accessible and inclusive for all.

On the cultural and educational front, Sharjah Science Museum plays a vital role in deepening scientific awareness in the UAE through engaging programmes that connect scientific concepts with real-world application and encourage children and students to explore, think critically and innovate. Through the efforts of the museum that has turned science into a dynamic experience that sparks curiosity, fires the imagination and nurtures a lasting passion for discovery.

Visitors can also benefit from a joint ticket granting access to both Sharjah Science Museum and Sharjah Archaeology Museum, located just 220 meters apart, offering a seamless and enriching combined experience.

For more information about the Authority and Sharjah’s museums, please visit www.sharjahmuseums.ae