Whether reinterpreting history, celebrating science and innovation, or redefining the purpose of a museum, these projects indicate the sector’s future directions.
In date order, we highlight the best new museums opening in 2026, as well as highly anticipated expansions and reopenings.
New museums for 2026
Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Opening in March 2026, the Centre for Contemporary Arts Tashkent (CCA) is a new initiative by the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), led by chairperson Gayane Umerova.
It aims to establish Uzbekistan as a key centre for international artistic exchange, cross-cultural dialogue, and innovation.
The Centre is situated in a restored 1912 industrial building that was originally a diesel station and tram depot. It is now being transformed by the award-winning architecture firm Studio KO.
Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent (CCA) View of the lower lobby. Render C Studio KO. Courtesy of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF)
Open to all and free, the CCA will be a regional cultural hub and community space for the city, featuring a library, workshop areas, and a café to unite cultures and generations. It will host exhibitions and public programs to foster exchange and dialogue.
With artist residencies, internships, fellowships, and a partnership with London’s Architectural Association, the CCA will be a centre for artistic research and experimentation.
Curated by CCA artistic director Dr Sara Raza, the inaugural exhibition, Hikmah, will feature leading voices from around the world, including Ali Cherri, Kimsooja, Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Nari Ward, Muhannad Shono, Shokhrukh Rakhimov and Tarik Kiswanson.
MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives in Tokyo, Japan
As part of the larger Takanawa Gateway City development, this six-story above-ground structure with three underground levels will combine art, science, technology, entertainment, Japan’s seasons, and traditional culture.
It will offer a variety of experiences, including exhibitions, live shows, traditional Japanese activities, and experimental projects. Every six months, the centre will unveil a new seasonal theme, inspiring a range of related activities.
The venue offers three flexible spaces. On the 5th floor, a 1,500-square-meter exhibition area is available for large-scale seasonal-themed events. The 3rd underground floor features a theatre and live hall with full-stage LED screens, seating 1,200 guests and hosting up to 2,000 standing visitors.
Additionally, the 2nd floor provides a 300-square-meter experimental space with retractable walls, ideal for DJ nights, public screenings, and other evening activities.
On the 4th floor, a large tatami space will showcase programs that combine traditional Japanese culture with modern technology. The rooftop garden will host seasonal events, such as cherry blossom and moon viewing, to celebrate Japan’s seasonal changes.
The exterior design was created by Kengo Kuma & Associates. Each floor is linked by a gentle slope, enabling visitors to walk up to the rooftop garden.
V&A East in London, UK
V&A East Museum in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, will open in April 2026. Designed by architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, the new museum is a sister site to the V&A East Storehouse, which opened in May.
This five-storey space combines art, design, fashion, music, and performance, and has been created collaboratively with young people, creatives, and those living, working, and studying in East London.
The first exhibition, titled The Music is Black: A British Story, features a sound experience by Sennheiser. It covers the period from 1900 to the present day and demonstrates how Black British music has influenced British culture.
Image © Niall Hodson
Items on display will include Joan Armatrading’s childhood guitar, outfits worn by Little Simz, and photography by Dennis Morris and Jennie Baptiste.
Across two floors, the museum also features two free permanent Why We Make galleries, displaying more than 500 objects from the V&A's collections.
It is part of the £1.1 billion East Bank development, which also includes the BBC, Sadler’s Wells, UAL’s London College of Fashion, and UCL East.
See also: Building V&A East: community and creation in East London
Dataland in Los Angeles, California, US
While the official date is yet to be revealed, we can expect Refik Anadol's digital art museum in LA to open this spring.
Located at The Grand LA, a Frank Gehry-designed cultural complex in downtown Los Angeles, it will function as a living space where human imagination meets machine creativity, redefining artistic expression in the AI era. The museum will feature five distinct galleries covering 25,000 square feet.
Anadol's work has been exhibited at places including New York’s Museum of Modern Art and the Sphere in Las Vegas. The artist uses collections of public data and machine learning algorithms to create immersive art installations.
One highlight is Infinity Room, initially created at UCLA in 2014 as his first immersive data sculpture. The piece is a 12x12 ft perfect cube with mirrored walls, ceiling, and floors. It uses projectors to display pulsating black-and-white imagery, treating light as a medium and data as colour.
Over the past decade, Infinity Room has toured 35 cities worldwide, attracting over 10 million visitors. Building on this legacy, Dataland’s Infinity Room highlights the remarkable technological and artistic evolution of Refik Anadol Studio since its inception.
The installation will include AI-generated scents crafted by the Large Nature Model and is the first immersive space to employ World Models, a cutting-edge generative AI that understands real-world physics and spatial relationships.
See also: Refik Anadol's Dataland: imagination meets machine intelligence
Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in London, UK
The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration is set to open in May 2026 in Clerkenwell. It is the UK's first and only charity dedicated to championing illustration, with a vision for everyone to be able to examine, communicate, and express themselves confidently through illustration.
Illustrator, artist, and educator Quentin Blake founded the charity in 2002, with the aim of creating the UK’s first public place dedicated to illustration.
A permanent home at New River Head, a derelict waterworks in Clerkenwell, was discovered in 2019, and the charity started fundraising to restore it.
In 2020, award-winning practice Tim Ronalds Architects was engaged to facilitate the site’s transformation into the national centre for illustration.
Their scheme repurposes New River Head’s five historic buildings into accessible exhibition galleries, a learning studio, a project space, a café-event space, and a shop, all surrounded by gardens.
The new museum will open in 2026 with a programme of exhibitions, events, and workshops that explore and celebrate illustration.
The Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History in Newport, Rhode Island, US
The Newport Historical Society (NHS) in Rhode Island will launch The Edward W. Kane & Martha J. Wallace Center for Black History at the Wanton-Lyman-Hazard House, Newport’s oldest documented residence.
The new centre will showcase exhibitions and community programs dedicated to preserving and sharing Black history and culture. Key features include digitised archives from the Voices from the NHS Archives project, online access to over 5,000 historical records, and award-winning exhibits.
Image courtesy of NHS
Its mission is to act as a hub for research, scholarship, education, exhibitions, contemporary art, and community engagement. It aims to foster critical conversations on race and equity, promoting a more inclusive, representative, and accessible understanding of history.
The National Geographic Museum of Exploration in Washington, D.C., US
In summer 2026, the National Geographic Society will open the new Museum of Exploration at its reimagined campus in Washington, D.C. The nonprofit scientific and educational organisation will open the 100,000-square-foot museum as part of a revamp of its headquarters.
The museum will showcase curated exhibitions, offer immersive and educational experiences using advanced technologies, include a modern theatre, and have a restaurant and retail store.
Per a press release, the new venue will accelerate the non-profit society's mission to "illuminate and protect the wonder of our world".
Guests will access the new museum through an 11-foot yellow border. Key features include a 400-seat theatre showcasing National Geographic films and stories with immersive audiovisuals, and a new outdoor nighttime attraction that offers projection mapping, interactive media, and soundscapes.
Muzej Lah in Bled, Slovenia
Another opening for summer 2026 is this new museum that combines contemporary art with the stunning natural beauty of the Julian Alps.
Muzej Lah, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, was commissioned by Slovenian philanthropists Igor and Mojca Lah, the founders of Swiss arts non-profit organisation Fundacija Lah. It will house Fundacija Lah's collection of works, which will be shown to the public for the first time.
Image courtesy of David Chipperfield Architects
David Chipperfield Architects stated in a press release that the architectural design of the museum "responds to both the alpine landscape, and the size and specifications of the artworks in the collection."
Alongside its gallery spaces, Muzej Lah will feature a library and research centre, as well as a restaurant and retail outlet. There will also be several outdoor areas, including a sculpture garden.
Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, California, US
September sees the eagerly awaited $1bn Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opening its doors to the public. Founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the new museum is designed by MAD Architects founder Ma Yansong and is located in LA's Exposition Park.
Billed as the world's first institution dedicated to the exploration of narrative art, it was originally scheduled to complete major works in 2021 but has experienced several delays.
Housed in a 300-square-foot building on an 11-acre campus with new green spaces, it features 35 galleries covering 100,000 square feet, along with two theatres, community areas, a library, restaurant, café, and retail shop.
Dedicated to illustrated storytelling, the collection features over 40,000 works, ranging from comic art to children's book illustrations. On display will be works by artists such as Norman Rockwell, Beatrix Potter, and Frida Kahlo.
The collection also includes works by comic artists such as Winsor McCay and Alison Bechdel, as well as photographs by Gordon Parks and Dorothea Lange. Additionally, the museum houses the Lucas Archives, which contains models, props, concept art, and costumes from Lucas’s filmmaking career.
International Dark Sky Discovery Center in Fountain Hills, Arizona, US
Launching in autumn 2026, this new museum will serve as an international landmark to inspire future scientists and people of all ages to recognise the importance of dark skies for the well-being of humans, plants, and animals, and to provide a window into the observable universe.
It will include a dark-sky observatory with the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix area, the Craig and Ruth Gimbel Planetarium, which features state-of-the-art tilted-dome technology, a theatre with an LED video screen and 150 tiered seats, a night-sky exhibition hall, and the Einstein Exploration Station with hands-on experiences.
Image courtesy of IDSDC
Science-based education will position it as a global hub for promoting dark-sky preservation amid growing worldwide interest. This will function as a gateway to a deeper understanding of astronomy, space exploration, the universe, and life on Earth.
The non-profit IDSDC aims to achieve its educational objectives by supporting STEM initiatives and building partnerships with Arizona State University, local community colleges, and high schools. The facility will offer programmes and experiences designed to inspire, educate, and spark imaginations.
It will also cater to the rising interest in astrotourism, making it a prominent educational and experiential destination for Arizona and beyond.
KANAL-Centre Pompidou in Brussels, Belgium
KANAL–Centre Pompidou is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art situated in Brussels, within the former Citroën Garage buildings. The opening of this major multidisciplinary cultural centre is planned for November 2026.
The Centre Pompidou will showcase works from its collection through a permanent tour and two yearly exhibitions curated by the Musée national d'art moderne's team. It will also serve as a consultant and support for acquiring new pieces for the museum's permanent collection.
Designed by Atelier Kanal, the space will feature facilities ranging from live music and performance venues to a bookshop and library.
Memphis Art Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, US
The Memphis Art Museum's new cultural campus, located in Downtown Memphis along the Mississippi River bluff, is scheduled to open to the public in December 2026.
Formerly known as the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, it is Tennessee's oldest and largest art museum, housing a collection of over 10,000 works ranging from ancient to contemporary art.
Image courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron
Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, a Pritzker Prize-winning architecture firm, along with the architect of record, archimania, and landscape design by OLIN, the new 122,000-square-foot museum will increase the current gallery space by 50% and offer 600% more free, public art-rich space.
This includes a 10,000-square-foot community courtyard at street level and a 50,000-square-foot rooftop sculpture garden.
Centred around community, the new museum emphasises accessibility with many free, publicly accessible spaces. Inside, visitors can enjoy the mezzanine theatre, galleries, educational zones, café, and store- all on the street level, with a direct link to the Mississippi River waterfront.
The museum can host over 400 cultural, creative, and community initiatives and will also be available for rental.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which joins Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, teamLab Phenomena, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi at the Saadiyat Cultural District, is set to open in 2026, although the date is yet to be announced.
It will display art from the 1960s to the present day. Designed by architect Frank Gehry, it will feature a global collection, including special exhibitions, commissions, research, and publications.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art in Abu Dhabi, will display key international artistic achievements from the 20th and 21st centuries.
Its collection includes works by artists worldwide, created since the 1960s, with a particular focus on West Asian, North African, and South Asian art.
To enhance the collection, a lively programme of special exhibitions will highlight the careers of individual artists, the history of art movements, and shared themes and connections among artists from different times and places.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will act as a platform for scholarly research and intellectual and cultural discussions.
Educational programmes will offer the public multidisciplinary insights into the collection and exhibitions, fostering a deeper appreciation of modern and contemporary art practices.
The Artistic Museum of Contemporary Art (AMOCA) in Cardiff, UK
The Artistic Museum of Contemporary Art (AMOCA) is another museum set to open in 2026, although the date has not yet been announced.
AMOCA aims to participate in international, contemporary art discussions and establish itself as a museum dedicated to global contemporary art.
The goal is to create a hub for innovative, contemporary art by positioning AMOCA as a leading platform and museum for exhibitions, talks, and symposiums. By partnering with international curators and artists, AMOCA aims to deepen the public’s appreciation of art.
AMOCA, a privately funded non-profit, will engage the public via artist residencies, youth workshops, talks, and outreach efforts targeting underserved communities. Its founding team comprises art enthusiasts, curators, and professionals passionate about expanding access to contemporary art.
Canyon in New York City, New York, US
With a yet-to-be-revealed opening date in 2026, Canyon, located in NYC’s Lower East Side, is a new 40,000-square-foot cultural venue dedicated to video, music, and performance.
Created as a combination of a museum, performing arts venue, and social hub in the downtown area, it was established by philanthropist Robert Rosenkranz and guided by Joe Thompson.
Canyon repurposes unused commercial space and has been intentionally redesigned for long-term art installations.
It will feature 18,000 square feet of galleries with top-tier video and audio capabilities, along with a 60-foot-tall skylit piazza that functions as a central gathering area, including bars, a café, and a full-service restaurant.
The venue will also feature a performance hall seating up to 260 people, serving as a space for concerts, lectures, screenings, black-box performances, and podcast recordings.
It will hold three main exhibition cycles annually, featuring solo shows, retrospectives, thematic group exhibitions, and experimental hybrids.
Museum expansions and renovations opening in 2026
Los Angeles County Museum of Art's (LACMA) David Geffen Galleries in Los Angeles, California, US
In April, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is set to open its new David Geffen Galleries, a 900-foot-long, Peter Zumthor-designed building.
With an additional 110,000 square feet of exhibition space, LACMA will have 220,000 square feet of galleries, a substantial increase from its 130,000 square feet in 2007.
Besides the exhibition level, the new building features three F&B outlets, a shop, a 300-seat theatre, and an education centre.
In mid-2025, previews allowed glimpses of the raw space, including immersive performances by Kamasi Washington, before the museum began installing artworks from its permanent collection.
New York Historical's Tang Wing for American Democracy in New York City, New York, US
The New York Historical will open its new Tang Wing for American Democracy in June 2026, expanding the building and its schedule of exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programs.
Covering 71,000 square feet, the Tang Wing will open as the US celebrates its 250th anniversary. It will allow a tenfold boost in participation for The Historical’s acclaimed Academy for American Democracy.
Image courtesy of the New York Historical
Created to fill essential gaps in American history and civics education, the Academy’s four-day intensive program will now reach 30,000 sixth-graders annually in new classrooms within the wing.
Other facilities at Tang Wing include the Klingenstein Family Gallery, showcasing The Historical’s American art collection and new exhibitions; and the Stuart and Jane Weitzman Shoe Museum, illustrating three centuries of American women’s history through historical footwear.
The wing will include new on-site storage for The Historical’s Patricia D. Klingenstein Library, housing the Robert A. Caro Archive, the Time Inc. Archive, and the Billie Jean King Archive, plus millions of manuscripts, maps, photographs, and prints documenting American history.
A state-of-the-art facility will conserve The Historical’s collection of paintings and objects. Opening late 2027, the wing will also house the American LGBTQ+ Museum.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, US
Also in June, again coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the US, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will unveil its expanded galleries and facilities, enlarging the building by 50%.
The additional 114,000 square feet includes galleries, studios, dining options, event spaces, and more, providing everyone the chance to enjoy and explore more American art, appreciate the Ozarks' natural beauty, and experience creativity and community.
Crystal Bridges has stayed open during the construction, despite reinstalling nearly all existing galleries and introducing a new core experience that guides visitors through a thematic journey of American life, landscape, and spirit.
Safdie Architects, which designed the original 200,000-square-foot building, is also responsible for the 114,000-square-foot expansion.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, US
Opening in autumn 2026, this 50,000-square-foot expansion aims to help the museum engage fans, artists, teachers, and students, while also increasing opportunities for live music and community programmes.
The museum says that by harnessing the energy of rock & roll and respecting the existing I.M. Pei building, this expansion aims to stimulate economic growth and regional impact.
It will also broaden public access and activity around Lake Erie, enhance educational facilities to better connect with students, provide a versatile indoor space for performances and community events, and expand exhibition space by 40%.
A central feature is The Atrium, a free, un-ticketed area where the public can enjoy and connect through music. It serves as the main entrance to the museum and features community stairs, a reception area with a bar, and stunning views of Lake Erie.
The Patty & Jay Baker Hall is a versatile space that meets the museum's requirement for a large community area to function alongside the museum, enabling full operation for members and supporters during major events.
The update also includes the multipurpose Howley Family Student Center and the Taylor Family Community Park.
North Branch of the Palace Museum in Haidian, China
The North Branch of the Palace Museum in Beijing is a significant new expansion in the Haidian District, created to address space limitations at the main Forbidden City site.
The Palace Museum houses over 1.86 million items, but can exhibit only a small portion at any one time.
This major expansion, scheduled for completion in October, features large exhibition and preservation spaces. It is designed to make the Palace Museum's treasures more accessible to domestic and international visitors alike.
Situated in Xiyuhe village in Beijing's Haidian district, 30 kilometres from the Forbidden City, the northern branch will offer more than 60,000 square meters of exhibition space along with 35,000 square meters for state-of-the-art conservation laboratories.
Architectural elements evoke the Forbidden City's iconic red walls and golden roofs through modern reinterpretation.
The Bronx Museum in New York City, New York, US
The Bronx Museum’s renovation, expected to open in 2026, is a transformative project funded by over $42.9 million from the City.
Designed by award-winning architects Marvel, it aims to establish a world-class arts facility that will enhance access to the museum's essential free arts programmes.
Image courtesy of Marvel.
The renovation will smoothly merge the Museum’s buildings into a unified campus, establish a continuous and accessible gallery loop, reposition the main entrance to the prominent corner of 165th St and Grand Concourse, and introduce a new triple-height lobby with a connecting cafe.
Wrexham County Borough Museum
Wrexham County Borough Museum is currently closed for refurbishment and is set to reopen sometime in 2026. The renovation will create a distinctive space that integrates a brand-new museum for Wrexham with the Football Museum of Wales within a single building.
Known as the 'Museum of Two Halves' project, it will feature modern galleries within a fully renovated and expanded building, establishing a world-class national attraction for Wrexham that attracts thousands of visitors from across Wales and beyond.
The new football museum will honour Welsh football's rich history and diversity, showcasing everything from grassroots clubs to the national teams. It will also feature Wrexham’s historic achievements and celebrate the County Borough's rich heritage.
New galleries will be set up to showcase the Wrexham Museum collections, providing visitors with an improved experience and a state-of-the-art, modern space to explore the rich and exciting history of North East Wales.
Working with the community, the museum will also host a programme of activities and events.
Museums reopening in 2026
Edo-Tokyo Museum in Tokyo, Japan
The Edo-Tokyo Museum in Ryogoku, Tokyo, is set to reopen in March after a major renovation that lasted over three years, featuring updated exhibits, interactive elements, and a redesigned space.
The Edo-Tokyo Museum explores the city's extensive history, spanning from the early Edo period (1603–1868) to today.
After its first major renovation since opening in 1993, it will present updated displays and more interactive elements, offering visitors an even richer understanding of Tokyo.
Highlights of the revamped museum include a full-scale replica of the Hattori Watch Shop, a well-known symbol of Meiji-era (1868–1912) Ginza, along with a redesigned third-floor plaza managed by internationally acclaimed architect Shohei Shigematsu.
New Museum in New York City, New York, US
The New Museum, Manhattan’s sole institution dedicated entirely to contemporary art, has announced that its 60,000 sq ft expansion, designed by OMA/Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas in partnership with Cooper Robertson, will open to the public in March 2026.
The expanded building seamlessly integrates with the existing SANAA-designed flagship on the Bowery at Prince Street. It doubles the gallery space for exhibitions and improves circulation with three elevators, an Atrium Stair, and an entrance plaza.
New public venues include a larger seventh-floor Sky Room and a 74-seat Forum for events. The upper floors will house a dedicated artist-in-residence studio and a space for the Museum’s cultural incubator, NEW INC.
At ground level, visitors will find a larger lobby, an expanded bookstore, and a full-service restaurant.
Hull Maritime Museum in Hull, UK
Hull Maritime Museum is scheduled to reopen in summer 2026, having been closed for a major refurbishment project since the start of 2020.
Extensive improvements will enhance the condition and interpretive quality of the museum and its collections. The building has been conserved to showcase its original architecture and secure its future.
Both displayed and stored collections will benefit from improved environmental controls and storage conditions.
The second floor will open to the public, and a new, improved education and learning programme will be introduced. Access and visitor facilities will be upgraded with extra toilets, a café, and lifts.
Visitors will also have the chance to access one of the building’s domes, offering spectacular panoramic rooftop views of the city for the first time.
New exhibitions and displays featuring previously unseen material will celebrate over 800 years of Hull’s maritime history. The collection will also be increasingly digitised.
The museum will highlight Hull’s role as a modern maritime city, emphasising its thriving industries and inspiring future generations.
Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, US
The new Gilcrease Museum is expected to open to the public in autumn 2026, having been closed since summer 2021.
The old building was torn down to make way for a new museum on the same site, just five minutes from downtown Tulsa. It was a mix of several ageing structures put together over many decades.
The Thomas Gilcrease Institute of American History and Art, known as Gilcrease Museum, features a wide-ranging collection of North American art, culture, and history.
Founded in 1949 by Thomas Gilcrease, a member of the Muscogee Creek Nation, the museum showcases hundreds of Indigenous cultures from North and South America.
Its holdings include over 350 years of American paintings, sculptures, and works on paper, including the largest public collection of American West art.
London Museum in London, UK
The Museum of London closed its Barbican location in 2022 and will reopen towards the end of 2026 under the new name London Museum, at a brand-new site within the historic West Smithfield market buildings.
London Museum is one of the largest cultural infrastructure projects in Europe.
The first phase of the £437m project – the museum's permanent galleries in the Victorian General Market – is scheduled to open in 2026. The second phase – the temporary exhibitions and collection stores in the 1960s Poultry Market – is planned to open in 2028.
Image courtesy of Secchi Smith
Ahead of the opening, London Museum unveiled its new logo, featuring a white clay pigeon and a golden poo splat, to showcase “the grit and glitter” of the city.
See also: Moving the Museum of London: fatbergs and carcass corridors
Museo Dolores Olmedo in Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City's Museo Dolores Olmedo, home to a notable collection of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera artwork, is scheduled to reopen at some point in 2026 after closures for restoration and modernisation since 2021.
During the closure period, the Dolores Olmedo Museum has been undertaking a series of key projects. These include the registration, cataloguing, and digitisation of both the pre-Hispanic and popular collections.
Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The museum also worked to conserve and digitise Dolores Olmedo’s library and personal archives. New spaces were configured within the premises, accompanied by technological updates and the installation of modern security systems.
Additionally, the historic building received structural reinforcement, while the floors and slabs were maintained and rehabilitated. The institution also continued its ongoing efforts to care for the flora and fauna, including its iconic Xoloitzcuintli dogs and peacocks.
Mosul Cultural Museum in Mosul, Iraq
The Mosul Museum is currently undergoing extensive restoration and is planned to reopen fully to the public in autumn 2026, with international partners such as the Louvre and Smithsonian participating in the reconstruction and conservation of its artefacts.
The museum, the second largest in the country after Baghdad's national museum, was founded in 1952 to showcase the history of northern Iraq.
In 2014, after the Islamic State captured Mosul, many artefacts were looted, and the building sustained significant damage.
Items damaged or destroyed include a colossal lion from Nimrud, two lamassu guardian figures, and King Ashurnasirpal II's throne base. Over 28,000 books and rare manuscripts were burned during the attack.
Since 2018, an international team led by the Iraqi State Board of Antiquities and Heritage (SBAH) has been working to restore the Mosul Cultural Museum.
Future museums to look forward to
Beyond 2026, there are many more exciting projects still under construction.
This includes the Dubai Museum of Art (DUMA) in the UAE. The project, developed by the Al-Futtaim Group on the waters of Dubai Creek, is designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando. DUMA seeks to become a key cultural and architectural landmark that will redefine Dubai's skyline and boost its artistic scene.
Construction also began in 2025 on Derry-Londonderry’s DNA Museum.
This new £15m venue dedicated to the city’s maritime and social history is set to open in 2027. Located a short walk from the city’s famous Peace Bridge, the new museum will house artefacts and collections that capture the history of north-west Ireland.
The University of Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum in Norway closed for a major refurbishment and expansion in 2021. When it reopens in 2027, it will be called the Museum of the Viking Age. It will be over three times the size of the Viking Ship Museum, offering around 13,000 square metres of space.
The Natural History Museum Science and Digitisation Centre near Reading, UK, will see the transfer of millions of specimens to a new, extensive facility close to Reading, featuring laboratories and public spaces, with construction progressing towards completion in 2027.
Also opening in 2027, within a renovated Brutalist school in Camden, London, is the Museum of Brutalist Architecture (MoBA), focused on post-war architecture.
In the US, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will unveil new galleries for Ancient West Asia and Cyprus in 2027.
In South Korea, there are plans for four new museums in Sejong by 2028, focusing on cultural assets and accessibility, while India is working on the Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum, a massive, world-leading museum project in New Delhi.
Centre for Contemporary Arts in Tashkent (CCA) View of the lower lobby. Render C Studio KO. Courtesy of the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF)
Image © Niall Hodson
Image courtesy of NHS
Image courtesy of David Chipperfield Architects 
Image courtesy of IDSDC
Image courtesy of Herzog & de Meuron
Image courtesy of the New York Historical
Image courtesy of Marvel. 
Image courtesy of Secchi Smith 
Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
