Free entry to all Sharjah Museums on May 18 as SMA plans 4-day events to mark International Museum Day

Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) will mark International Museum Day, which falls on May 18, with a cultural and interactive programme held under this year’s theme, “Museums Uniting a Divided World,” announced by The International Council of Museums “ICOM.”

The programme, taking place from May 15 to 18, includes workshops, museum tours, live music performances, panel discussion, community activities and a temporary art exhibition.

SMA is also offering free entry on May 18 to all its museums in Sharjah City, Khorfakkan and Kalba, encouraging the public to explore arts, science and discover the UAE’s rich history and cultural heritage stories that have shaped its past.

This celebration is held in line with the visionary cultural approach established by His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who has placed culture at the heart of the Emirate’s development and positioned museums as vital institutions in building awareness, preserving identity and serving the community.

It also reflects His Highness’s belief that “Museums are made to educate our children and our future generations,” a principle Sharjah’s museums continue to embody through their commitment to delivering knowledge-based content and inspiring interactive experiences that preserve cultural identity and promote shared human values.

Sharjah Museums Authority affirmed that it continues to translate this vision into practice by developing quality museum programmes and innovative initiatives that strengthen museums as spaces for learning, dialogue and community and creative engagement, and help nurture informed generations deeply connected to their cultural roots and equipped to engage confidently with the wider world.

Children get a briefing on the various exhibits.

The programme has been designed to offer an inclusive cultural experience for different age groups and communities. Activities will be presented in multiple languages, helping make the events accessible to a wide cross-section of society.

The line-up also includes specialised guided tours, tours in sign language, interactive workshops, live musical performances, inspiring panel discussion, and a variety of community-focused activities reflecting SMA’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity.

A rich programme across three key locations

The celebrations begin on May 15 at Sharjah Fort, featuring guided tours, workshops titled “Cultural Bridges at Sharjah Fort ,” and live musical performances in a family-friendly atmosphere.

On May 16, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization will host a comprehensive cultural programme featuring museum tours, the “Weaving Civilisations” workshop, and a main panel discussion titled “Museums: Bridges of Dialogue and Humanity”.

The session will bring together representatives from several organisations, including The Big Heart Foundation, Friends of Cancer Patients, and Alserkal Avenue. Participants will explore key themes such as the role of museums in promoting cultural dialogue, museum storytelling as a means of understanding others, and the contribution of culture to humanitarian work. The discussion will also highlight field experiences and real-life stories that reinforce the role of museums as active platforms for human connection.

The programme will also feature a café operated by people with disabilities, reflecting the museums’ commitment to inclusion and community integration, while underscoring culture’s role as a bridge between peoples.

On May 17, Sharjah Maritime Museum will host a series of tours and interactive activities “A Generation United Through Maritime Heritage”, targeting youth and people with disabilities.

The programme will include a tour designed for the youth, alongside the “Seas Unite Us” workshop. The museum will also organise a sign language tour for people with disabilities, in addition to a “Mobile Photography” workshop specially designed for individuals with disabilities, offering them an opportunity to creatively capture and document their museum experience through the lens of mobile photography.

It's a fascinating school, of fish, for this wonderstruck visitor.

The day will also feature youth-led initiatives presented by graduates of the Sharjah Museums Ambassadors Programme, reflecting the Authority’s commitment to making the museum experience accessible to all.

‘Between the Lines’ exhibition

As part of the accompanying programme, the Authority will host an art exhibition titled “Between the Lines,” organised by Art for All Centre – Falaj at Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, running from 16 to 18 of May.

The exhibition will offer visitors an artistic and human-centred space to explore deeper meanings and untold stories hidden within human experiences. Through visual expression, the artworks seek to convey what words cannot describe and to look beyond small details and silent moments.

More than 23 artists, including artists with disabilities will take part in the exhibition, presenting a number of artworks that highlight creativity, and resilience.

The works challenge stereotypes around ability and reveal the strength and beauty found “between the lines.”

The exhibition also seeks to break barriers, promote social inclusion and highlight art as a means of expression and change, in line with the event’s message of reinforcing museums as spaces for human connection and cultural dialogue.

Sharjah Museums Passport: An interactive journey to discover museums In parallel with the IMD celebrations, SMA is launching the “Sharjah Museums Passport” campaign, inviting visitors to embark on an engaging journey by visiting at least five museums, collecting stamps, and sharing their experiences on social media for a chance to win valuable prizes. The campaign will run until May 31, 2026.

Sharjah Museums Authority invites the public of all ages to take part in these celebrations and enjoy a comprehensive museum experience that combines learning and entertainment.

It reaffirmed that the programme offers visitors direct engagement with thoughtfully designed activities that help strengthen their connection to cultural heritage and deepen their understanding of the role museums play in everyday life.

The occasion also offers a unique opportunity to explore the diversity of Sharjah’s museums and the rich experiences they offer, reflecting the Emirate’s cultural identity and future aspirations.