Sharjah Art Museum

The Sharjah Art Museum is a major art institution located in the city of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Established in 1997, it stands as one of the leading art institutions in the Persian Gulf region, housing the UAE's most extensive assembly of artistic works. The museum specializes in modern and contemporary art by artists from the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern countries, while also organizing temporary exhibitions and educational events. Its significance extends beyond its holdings to its role as a custodian of regional cultural narrative and a bridge between historical traditions and modern expressions in Arab art.

The museum was originally housed in Bait Al Serkal in the Al Shuwaihean Area before moving to its current purpose-built facility. The new building was established on April 7, 1997, under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, during the 3rd Sharjah International Arts Biennial. Since its establishment, the museum has held numerous temporary exhibitions curated by the museum or in collaboration with other institutions, including the Cobra Museum of Modern Art in Amsterdam, Tate Britain in London, Barjeel Art Foundation in the UAE, and The Gibran Museum in Lebanon. It has become a pillar of the art scene in the country and region, showcasing dynamic expressions of Arab and international artists.

The Sharjah Art Museum's collection encompasses modern and contemporary art with particular strength in works by artists from the United Arab Emirates and other Middle Eastern countries. The collection spans several centuries of artistic production, providing a continuous narrative of regional aesthetics. Key components include 19th and 20th-century Orientalist paintings, pioneering works by modern Arab masters, and contemporary creations. The museum's acquisition strategy is deliberately inclusive, featuring both celebrated historical figures and dynamic contemporary creators. A significant portion of the collection is displayed in a permanent gallery highlighting works from the renowned orientalist collection of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. The fourth wing of the first floor specifically displays modern and contemporary Arab art composed of paintings and sculptures by some of the most famous artists in the Middle East.

The museum's permanent collection includes works by prominent Middle Eastern artists such as Abdulqader Al Rais, Louay Kayali, Bashir Sinwar, Faiq Hassan, Mohammed Yusuf, and Ismail Fatah Al-Turk. A metal sculpture titled 'A Bird' by Hussain Madi, dated 1994, is among the notable works on view. The museum has also hosted significant temporary exhibitions featuring major international and regional artists, including Stations by Lore Bert (2007), Andreas Gursky (2007), Face of Asia: Steve McCurry Photographs (2008), Lure of the East (2009), Tarek Al-Ghoussein (2010), Lithographs of David Roberts (2011), Ibrahim El-Salahi: A Visionary Modernist (2012), Trajectories: 19th and 21st Century Printmaking from India and Pakistan (2014), Cobra: 1000 Days of Free Art (2015), Drawings of Gibran: A Human Perspective (2015), and A Century in Flux: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation (2018-2023). The museum also organizes annual exhibitions including the Emirates Fine Arts Society Exhibition, the Lasting Impressions Exhibition highlighting pioneer Arab artists in the MENA Region, and participates in the Sharjah Biennial and Sharjah Islamic Art Festival.

The Sharjah Art Museum occupies a substantial purpose-built facility in the Al Shuwaihean Area of Sharjah. The building encompasses a total floor area of 111,000 square meters, with galleries distributed over two floors and an underground car park beneath it. The Dutch-language source specifies 11,000 square meters of exhibition space on two floors, which appears to be a more precise figure for the gallery areas specifically. The architectural setting, located in the Heart of Sharjah, enhances the visitor experience through a traditional building that has been thoughtfully adapted into a modern exhibition venue. The museum's infrastructure includes spacious and air-conditioned galleries designed for comfortable viewing of artworks.

The Sharjah Art Museum is located in Al Shuwaihean, Sharjah, and admission is free. Normal museum opening hours are Saturday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Friday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. During Ramadan, hours change to Saturday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM, with Friday closed. The museum is strategically placed within Sharjah's cultural district, surrounded by other significant landmarks and heritage sites. It is wheelchair accessible throughout and includes amenities such as an on-site café, museum gift shop, and clean restroom facilities. The museum is operated under the Sharjah Museums Authority, with Manal Ataya serving as director-general. Visitors are advised that modest dress is recommended, and photography is generally permitted for personal use though restrictions on flash or tripods may apply.