ACCIONA Cultura, a specialist in realising story-driven museums, exhibits, and events, has worked with the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi to deliver museography for two permanent galleries.
Designed by Foster + Partners and a showpiece of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Cultural District, the Zayed National Museum launched on 3 December 2025 and marks a major milestone in the celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Exhibits at Zayed National Museum include Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s personal carImage courtesy of ACCIONA Cultura
Respectful storytelling
This project demonstrates ACCIONA Cultura's dedication to immersive storytelling and deep respect for local cultural identity.
The company was responsible for the development of the museography for two permanent galleries. These spaces, Our Beginning and Through Our Nature, interpret key elements of the UAE’s identity and relationship with its land.
Zayed National Museum explores the land and its people from ancient times to todayImage courtesy of ACCIONA Cultura
ACCIONA Cultura's remit spanned the creative and technical development of the exhibition spaces, from scenography and custom display structures to multimedia integration and lighting. This aimed to bring the curatorial and design vision to life through a dynamic, experiential approach.
Extensive research and close partnership with the architects and designers informed the design. With this focus on authenticity and cultural resonance, the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, is reflected in every detail, from his personal car to the symbolic presence of the ghaf tree.
ACCIONA Cultura's approach gives every detail of the narrative its own spotlight
Image courtesy of ACCIONA Cultura
The Our Beginning gallery evokes the spirit that guided the creation of the UAE, offering a personal perspective on Sheikh Zayed's life, legacy, and values.
Through Our Nature invites guests to explore the UAE's diverse landscapes and reflect on how the natural environment has shaped the country's culture and way of life.
Together, these galleries embody ACCIONA Cultura’s approach to storytelling, in which design, technology, and cultural understanding converge to create spaces that connect people, place, and heritage.
Featuring six permanent galleries, a temporary exhibition space, and an outdoor gallery, the Zayed National Museum serves as a symbol of national pride and reflects Sheikh Zayed’s enduring vision for the future.
Regional expertise
ACCIONA Cultura has a long-established presence in the Middle East, with a portfolio that reflects its expertise in museography, design, and cultural interpretation across projects of all scales, from intimate spaces to large-scale masterplans.
In the UAE, the company has worked on some of the country’s most iconic cultural destinations, with over fifty national pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Al Shindagha Museum, Qasr Al Watan, and Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa in Al Ain.
Its significant museum projects across the region include 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, Msheireb Museums, and media productions for the National Museum of Qatar.
In Oman, ACCIONA Cultura delivered the museography for the National Museum of Oman, while in Egypt, it undertook the museography of four main galleries at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
With these projects, ACCIONA Cultura demonstrates how its focus on combining creativity and technology is redefining cultural spaces and storytelling.
Recently, ACCIONA Cultura marked the success of ART MASTERS: A Virtual Reality Experience, which is resonating strongly with audiences across venues worldwide.
