If you were planning to visit the Museum of the Future on your Dubai trip, there's some bad news: it is temporarily closed. The good news is that the closure is planned, it's for a complete makeover rather than a problem with the building, and Dubai has plenty of strong alternatives in the meantime. Here's what we know about the reopening and what to do instead.
Quick answer: The Museum of the Future closed in September 2026 so that every exhibition inside can be replaced. It is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2027, around its fifth anniversary. No exact reopening date has been announced yet. Until then, the best alternatives are teamLab Phenomena in Abu Dhabi for immersive technology, the Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame for views, and The Green Planet for an indoor family day.
- StatusTemporarily closed
- Closed sinceSeptember 2026
- Expected reopeningQ1 2027
- Exact dateNot announced yet
- ReasonAll exhibitions being replaced
- Opened originallyFebruary 2022
Last checked: 10 October 2026, against the museum's official website and announcements reported by The National, Gulf News and Khaleej Times. We'll update this page when a reopening date is confirmed.
Is the Museum of the Future closed?
Yes. The museum's official website currently says it is temporarily closed while it prepares its next chapter. The closure was announced in July 2026. The museum said its original exhibitions would be available until September, and a later social media post gave 1 September as the closing date, while earlier reports had said mid-September. Either way, the exhibitions are no longer open to visitors.
This isn't a sudden or unplanned closure. The museum was designed so that its exhibitions would be refreshed over time, so they keep up with changes in science and technology rather than staying fixed for years. This is the first full overhaul since it opened in February 2022.
Museum of the Future reopening date
The museum is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2027, in time for its fifth anniversary. As it first opened in February 2022, many people expect the reopening around February 2027. However, the museum has not confirmed an exact date, and it has said more details will follow in the coming months.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| February 2022 | The Museum of the Future opens on Sheikh Zayed Road |
| July 2026 | The museum announces a temporary closure and a full exhibition overhaul |
| September 2026 | The original exhibitions close to visitors |
| Q1 2027 (expected) | Reopening with a completely new visitor journey |
Don't book non-refundable tickets until the museum confirms its reopening date. When it does reopen, expect timed slots to sell out quickly in the first few weeks, so book as soon as tickets go on sale.
What's changing inside the museum
This is a full replacement, not a small update. Every major exhibition from the original visitor journey is being retired, including:
- OSS Hope, the space station simulation
- The Heal Institute, with its Amazon rainforest recreation and DNA library
- Al Waha, the technology-free wellness space
- Tomorrow Today, the gallery of real future technologies
- Future Heroes, the children's area
In their place, the museum has promised a new visitor journey with a refreshed identity and more interactive experiences about the opportunities and challenges of the coming decades. More than 1,000 suggestions from the public were collected to help shape it. The museum hasn't yet revealed what the new exhibitions will be.
So if you visited before, the reopened museum should be a completely different experience, not a repeat.
Can you still see the building?
The building itself is one of the most photographed in Dubai, and you can still see it. It sits beside Sheikh Zayed Road near the Emirates Towers metro station, so it's visible from the road, the metro and the surrounding area.
The museum's website says that selected experiences remain open during the closure, but it doesn't list which ones or say whether the outside areas are accessible. If you want to visit the building up close, check the official website before you go.
Already booked Museum of the Future tickets?
The museum hasn't published refund details for the closure. If you have a ticket for a date after the closure:
- Booked on the official website: contact the museum directly through its website.
- Booked through a travel site or tour operator: contact the company you booked with and ask for a refund or a change to another attraction.
- Booked with DUBEX TOURS: message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you sort it out.
What to do instead of the Museum of the Future
The best replacement depends on what drew you to the museum in the first place. Most people want one of three things: immersive technology, a striking building with a view, or a good indoor day out with children.
If you wanted immersive technology
teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is the closest match. It's a building full of digital environments of light, water and air that react to your movement, so no two visits look the same. It's on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, so plan it as part of a day trip.
If you wanted iconic architecture and views
The Burj Khalifa observation decks give you the highest view in the city, and the sunset slot is the best one. The Dubai Frame is cheaper and quicker, with a glass-floored bridge 150 metres up and views across old and new Dubai. Our guide to Dubai Frame view timing explains the best time to go.
If you wanted an indoor family day
The Green Planet in City Walk is an indoor rainforest across four levels, with sloths, free-flying birds and an aquarium. It's fully climate-controlled and works well for children of all ages. The Dubai Butterfly Garden is a shorter, cheaper option that younger children love.
If you're visiting in the cooler months
Dubai's outdoor season has started. Dubai Miracle Garden reopened for its new season on 8 October 2026 and runs until the end of May. Our Dubai Miracle Garden guide covers this season's tickets and timings.
Alternatives at a glance
| Attraction | Best for | Time needed | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| teamLab Phenomena | Immersive digital art | 2–3 hours | AED 55 |
| Burj Khalifa | Highest views in the city | 1–2 hours | AED 175 |
| Dubai Frame | Architecture and views on a budget | 45–60 minutes | AED 60 |
| The Green Planet | Indoor family day | 1.5–2 hours | AED 123 |
| Butterfly Garden | Young children | 1–2 hours | AED 55 |
| Miracle Garden | Outdoor, October to May | 2–3 hours | AED 98 |
Prices are per person as listed on dubextours.com on 10 October 2026. The teamLab Phenomena "from" price is the child fare; adult tickets cost more.
A one-day plan without the museum
If the Museum of the Future was the centrepiece of your Downtown day, here's an easy way to rebuild it:
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Morning | Dubai Frame, when queues are shortest |
| Midday | The Green Planet in City Walk, to escape the heat |
| Late afternoon | Burj Khalifa at a sunset slot |
| Evening | The Dubai Fountain lake ride beneath the tower |
Getting between these spots by taxi takes time. A private car with a driver for the day keeps everything simple, especially with children.
Need help replacing your museum visit?
Tell us your dates and who you're travelling with, and we'll suggest the best alternative and book it for you.
Museum of the Future FAQs
Is the Museum of the Future closed?
Yes. It closed in September 2026 for a full exhibition overhaul, and its official website says it is temporarily closed.
When will the Museum of the Future reopen?
It is expected to reopen in the first quarter of 2027, around its fifth anniversary. No exact date has been announced yet.
Why did the Museum of the Future close?
To replace every major exhibition with a new visitor journey. The museum was designed to refresh its content over time, and this is the first full overhaul since it opened in February 2022.
Will the exhibitions be different after it reopens?
Yes. The original exhibitions, including the OSS Hope space station and the Heal Institute, have been retired. The new exhibitions haven't been revealed yet.
Can I still see the Museum of the Future building?
Yes, from the outside. It is next to Sheikh Zayed Road near the Emirates Towers metro station. Check the official website for any areas that remain open.
What can I do instead of the Museum of the Future?
teamLab Phenomena in Abu Dhabi is the closest match for immersive technology. The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame are best for architecture and views, and The Green Planet is the best indoor option for families.
What should I do if I already booked tickets?
Contact whoever sold you the ticket, whether that's the museum or a tour operator, and ask for a refund or an exchange. If you booked with DUBEX TOURS, message us on WhatsApp.
Should you wait for the reopening?
If you're in Dubai before early 2027, no. Build your trip around the alternatives above, because there's plenty to fill the gap. If your trip is in spring 2027 or later, keep an eye on the museum's official announcements. The new exhibitions should make it worth a visit even if you've been before.
For more trip planning, see our top 10 things to do in Dubai and our best time to visit Dubai guide.
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