SharjahThinking about visiting Sharjah Art Museum? Free museum with one of the Middle East's top collections of contemporary Arab art, Orientalist paintings and the Sharjah Biennial, a leading international art event. This guide covers what it costs, opening hours, the best months to go and practical tips.
At a glance
- Entry
- Completely free
- Opening hours
- Sat–Thu 8AM–8PM. Fri 4–8PM
- Time needed
- 1.5–2.5 hours
- Best time
- November to March
- Location
- Al Shuwaihean, Heritage Area, Sharjah
What to expect at Sharjah Art Museum
The It is one of the most important and most under-visited art museums in the Middle East, a free-entry institution housing one of the region's top collections of contemporary Arab art, Orientalist painting and works from the 19th and early 20th centuries, together with a dedicated programme of temporary exhibitions of often high international standard. It is the institutional home of the Sharjah Biennial, one of the world's most important contemporary art events.
The Permanent Collection
The museum's permanent collection is divided between two significant holdings. The Orientalist collection, works by European artists depicting the Arab world from the 18th through early 20th centuries, is one of the largest and most historically significant in the Middle East, including works by prominent Orientalist painters whose output is rarely seen outside European institutional collections. In addition, the historical significance of these works, both as art and as documents of the European imagination of Arabia, is addressed thoughtfully in the museum's interpretive approach.
Contemporary Arab art collection
In addition, the contemporary Arab art collection represents artists from across the Arab world, Egypt, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Morocco, Iraq and the Gulf states, working in a broad range of media from painting and sculpture through video and installation. In fact, the collection has been assembled with real curatorial intelligence and provides one of the most complete surveys of contemporary Arab visual culture available in a single institution.
The Sharjah Biennial
Besides, the Sharjah Biennial, held in odd-numbered years, typically March–June, is one of the most significant international contemporary art events in the world, bringing together major artists from across the globe for a thematic exhibition that uses multiple venues across the emirate. Generally, the it serves as the primary venue, with satellite exhibitions in heritage buildings, public spaces and non-conventional venues throughout the city. Attending a Sharjah Biennial is one of the most concentrated contemporary art experiences available in the Gulf region.
Temporary Exhibitions
Between Biennials, the museum maintains a consistent programme of high-quality temporary exhibitions drawn from its own collection, from institutional loans and from artist commissions. The programming reflects the same seriousness and the same curatorial intelligence as the permanent collection and the Biennial. The museum often shows work that is interesting rather than merely accessible.
Sharjah Art Museum tickets and prices
Here is what a visit to it costs. Prices are per person unless noted. Because they change with the season, treat them as a guide.
| Ticket Type | Adult | Child (3–12) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Entry | Free | Free | Always free |
| Sharjah Biennial | Free | Free | Odd-numbered years, March–June |
| Guided Tour | Free | Free | Weekends — check at reception for schedule |
Sharjah Art Museum opening hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Saturday – Thursday | 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Sharjah Biennial | Typically March – June, odd years |
Hours shift on public holidays and during Ramadan. Check the official website on the day you go.
Best time to visit Sharjah Art Museum
The best time to visit it is November to March. April and October also work well if your dates are fixed. If you can, avoid June to August because of the summer heat.
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BestGoodFairAvoid
Tips for visiting Sharjah Art Museum
These tips make a visit to it easier, especially if it is your first time.
Orientalist Collection
Spend time with the Orientalist collection, the historical context of these works, explained well by the museum's interpretive approach, makes them far more interesting than superficial viewing suggests.
Biennial Years
The Sharjah Biennial in odd years (2025, 2027) transforms the whole city into a contemporary art event of international significance, plan a visit specifically for this period if contemporary art interests you.
Ask About Current Shows
The temporary exhibitions programme changes regularly, check the museum's website before visiting for the current show. This is often the best single reason to visit.
Audio Guide Available
The audio guide for the permanent collection (free, at reception) provides noticeably richer curatorial context, worth requesting on any first visit.
Museum Quarter Walk
Also, the it, the Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Heart of Sharjah are all within 10 minutes' walk of each other, combine all three for a complete cultural morning.
Museum Café
In general, the museum café is a pleasant space, one of the better places in the heritage district to have coffee and reflect after the galleries.
Where to stay near Sharjah Art Museum
If you want to stay close to it, start with these hotels. Rates are rough nightly guides, so check before you book.
Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa
AED 780 / night from
Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah
AED 650 / night from
Holiday Inn Sharjah
AED 380 / night from
Coral Beach Resort Sharjah
AED 420 / night from
Centro Sharjah by Rotana
AED 300 / night from
ibis Sharjah
AED 220 / night from
Sharjah Art Museum: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Sharjah Art Museum?
Prices for it start from Completely free. General Entry: Free; Sharjah Biennial: Free; Guided Tour: Free.
What are the opening hours of Sharjah Art Museum?
It is open sat–Thu 8AM–8PM. Fri 4–8PM. Hours can change during Ramadan and public holidays, so check before you travel.
When is the best time to visit Sharjah Art Museum?
The best time to visit it is November to March. April and October also work well if your dates are fixed. If you can, avoid June to August because of the summer heat.
How long do you need at Sharjah Art Museum?
Plan on 1.5–2.5 hours for it. Also, add a little extra if you want photos at quieter times.
How do you get to Sharjah Art Museum?
30 min by car. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the easiest option if you are short on time.
Updated October 2026. Prices and opening hours change, so check the official website or the official UAE tourism site before you travel. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.
Photos: Fatima1996 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; A.karim.kh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons; A.karim.kh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
