Abu Dhabi’s newest cultural landmark, the Natural History Museum, has officially opened its doors to the public, marking a transformative moment in the UAE’s cultural and scientific landscape. Covering more than35,000 square metres, the museum is the latest addition to the Saadiyat Cultural District and represents a major international collaboration, with Pascall+Watson Architects playing a central role in delivering the interiors and specialist research environments.
A DESIGN INSPIRED BY NATURE
The museum’s architecture is conceived as a sculptural cluster of forms evoking natural rock formations, a concept carried seamlessly into the interior spaces. This geological inspiration creates an immersive environment that situates visitors within the narrative of Earth’s natural history.
A distinctive geometric language underpins the interior design. Pentagonal motifs, inspired by cellular structures, recur across surfaces, finishes, and spatial layouts—bridging the microscopic world of cells and crystals with the dramatic scale of landscapes and rock strata. Water and vegetation are incorporated as symbolic expressions of life, resilience, and natural cycles, bringing vitality and contrast to the desert context.
Circulation routes, modular spatial layouts, and the arrangement of exhibition volumes were carefully designed to support intuitive visitor flow, encourage exploration, and foster discovery. The modularity also ensures flexibility for future growth, aligning with the museum’s mission to evolve as collections expand and research advances.
The chosen materials – Namibian white marble, burnished brass, natural oak and bespoke terrazzo create a calm, minimal backdrop for the museum’s collections. The soft luminosity of the white finishes, complemented by the warm patina of the brass, enhances rather than competes with the artefacts. This refined palette ensures the museum’s scientific stories and specimens remain the focal point, fostering an atmosphere of clarity, focus and quiet reverence.
STRENGTHENING ABU DHABI’S CULTURAL LEGACY
The opening of the Natural History Museum reinforces Pascall+Watson’s position as a leader in designing complex cultural institutions. The project combines technical precision with design excellence, delivering spaces that inspire curiosity, support research, and celebrate the richness of natural history.
The museum now joins a distinguished network of cultural destinations on Saadiyat Island including Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Abrahamic Family House, and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi – all projects in which Pascall+Watson also played a significant role.
COLLABORATION AT EVERY LEVEL
“This project exemplifies our collaborative approach to complex cultural buildings,” says Justyna Szmukier Adane, Senior Associate at Pascall+Watson Abu Dhabi. “Working alongside Mecanoo’s visionary design and Broadway Malyan’s architectural expertise, we focused on creating spaces that serve both the scientific community and public audiences, ensuring every interior environment supports the museum’s mission of discovery and learning.”
Pascall+Watson’s multidisciplinary team—interior designers, architects of record, and laboratory specialists—worked on site from Miral’s Projects Office, ensuring seamless coordination with all consultants and stakeholders throughout design and construction. Close collaboration with Design Architect Mecanoo, Delivery Architects Broadway Malyan, LDC Egis, and the broader project team ensured the successful delivery of both front-of-house visitor experiences and highly technical back-of-house facilities.
“Having had the privilege to contribute to so many of Abu Dhabi’s landmark cultural projects, this latest achievement is profoundly meaningful. The Natural History Museum stands as a bold testament to the city’s vision and cultural leadership, and being part of its creation fills us with immense pride”
