Projects — Competitions — Dubai Archaeology Museum Competition

The Dubai Archaeology Museum will become a new landmark for the city that suggests both artefact and building; architecture and archaeology; ancient and modernity. This iconic, mysterious building will draw visitors to Shindagha from across the Gulf Region and the world.

Located at the historic mouth of Khor Dubai lies the Shindagha Historic District; once the first point of contact with seafaring cultures. The site ties the Dubai Archaeology Museum to the foundation of the city of Dubai, while recognizing the historic significance of marine culture for the development of the city and region, including pearl diving, fishing, and international trade.

Situated on the edge of Shindagha’s northern most peninsula, a mysterious, gravity defying, bronze ring floats over Khor Dubai. This floating architectural ring will be a fusion of the sky, the earth and the sea; a synthesis between traditions through powerful contemporary expression. Its cylindrical form recalls the historic watchtowers of Dubai and the enigmatic structures of the Umm al-Nar culture while its articulated metal surface is reminiscent of the hand-crafted Mystery “Anklet” discovered at Saruq Al Hadid.

As visitors arrive, they discover the architectural bronze ring, resting upon a terraced plinth — an ancient ruin, an excavation site, or upturned tectonic plates. The rock-faced plinth suggests multiple readings to help both situate the museum in the neighbourhood of the traditional buildings of Shindagha, as well as the broader context of modern Dubai. The Dubai Archaeology Museum will become a new landmark for the city that suggests both artifact and building; architecture and archaeology; ancient and modernity. This iconic, mysterious building will draw visitors to Shindagha from across the Gulf Region and the world.