The emirate history of Sharjah dates back to 5,000 years when economic activities such as farming, fishing, pearl barley, hunting, and trade made it the richest place in the region. In addition to its many cultural and artistic contributions, Sharjah is also known for preserving its rich heritage. One of the key elements in that good process is the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA).
WHAT IS SMA?
The Sharjah Museums Authority was established in 2006 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. The center is an independent government official and is responsible for the management of 16 museums across Sharjah – covering everything from Sharjah history to Islamic culture, art, science, heritage, archeology, and marine life.
Museums under the SMA:
The Sharjah Museums Authority has jurisdiction over the following emirate museums:
AL ESLAH SCHOOL MUSEUM:
A trip to the past from the first official school in Sharjah. The Al Eslah School Museum first opened its doors in 2003 but was established in 1935. Here, visitors can see how the education system worked back in the day. It still retains pictures of students who used to sit at wooden desks. Meanwhile, the upper bedroom of the model school was reserved for students from overseas. Located in the historic heart of the Heart of Sharjah, the museum is ideal for history students who want to explore the country’s past academic.
AL MAHATTA MUSEUM:
Learn about the first regional airport in the Al Mahatta Museum. The historic airport was first built in 1932 and opened as a museum in the year 2000. Previously used as a airport for flights from Britain to India, the site provides visitors with an understanding of the development of aviation in the region. In line with conservation efforts, the Al Hatta Museum is still keeping the first flights back to the hangar. A museum is an important visit because of its wide range of unique features that plan one’s first attempts to fly, right up to the moon.
BAIT AL NABOODAH:
As it turns out, many of the historical structures in Sharjah have been turned into museums to preserve the country’s treasures. Bait Al Naboodah is a good example. Built-in the middle of the 19th century, this traditional house is a testament to the architecture of the ancient Emirati, reflecting the values and lifestyles of the time. The home opened its doors to the public in 1995 and reopened in 2018 after its restoration. Originally it was the home of a successful and wealthy pearl merchant, the late Obaid bin Eissa Bin Ali Al Shamsi, who also traded with merchants in France, Africa, and India.
ARCHEOLOGY MUSEUM:
Archeology reveals that humans have lived in this area for more than 125,000 years. The Sharjah Archeology Museum examines the lifestyle of its citizens from the Sky Age to the rise of Islam in the region. The museum illuminates ancient settlements and displays artifacts from excavations that have taken place over the past 50 years. These include pottery, coins, antique weapons and more. Apart from this, visitors can also explore the images of houses, cemeteries and cemeteries in a variety of complex details.
ART MUSEUM:
Check out collections from famous artists at the Sharjah Art Museum. Opened in 1997, the magnificent center features artefacts from well-known local and Arab artists whose contributions have put regional art culture on a proverbial map. The center also hosts temporary art events throughout the year.
CLASSIC CARS MUSEUM:
This museum is very popular with tourists who love vintage cars. Opened in 2008, the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum has more than a hundred vehicles dating back to the early 20th century, and the oldest model is the 1915 vintage model!From classic Mercedes to Roll Royce, Chevrolet and Ford, the Sharjah Classic Cars Museum is a reminder of the best car products.
HERITAGE MUSEUM:
Re-opened in the heart of Sharjah in 2012, the Sharjah Heritage Museum is another famous institution under the Sharjah Museums Authority. In addition to exhibitions showing how the local people lived in the past, the museum also records how they celebrated ancient life events such as wedding ceremonies. A series of puzzles, fairy tales from human history and other museum activities will keep young visitors happy and cheerful.In addition to the museums mentioned, other historical buildings under the control of the SMA include: Sharjah Museum of Islamic Culture, Sharjah Science Museum, Sharjah Heritage Museum, Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), Sharjah Detection Center, Sharjah Aquarium, Hisn Khor Fakkan, Bait Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamad Al Qasimi
RECOMMENDED MUSEUM ROUTES:
With so many places of history, a visit to all of them can seem daunting. Happily, courtesy of the Sharjah Museums Authority, visitors can visit their favorite museums by choosing any of the three tour packages:
EXAMINING THE HISTORY:
The tour includes museums exhibiting emirate history, such as the Sharjah Archeology Museum, Al Mahatta Museum and Sharjah Fort.
A LOVING ARTIST:
Ideal for art lovers, this tour includes a trip to the Sharjah Art Museum, the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum and the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization.
FAMILY TIME:
As the name implies, this package is only for families where guests can enjoy the fun of reading, games, and other activities. It also covers places like the Sharjah Aquarium and the Sharjah Science Museum. Those interested in the packages can visit the official website of the Sharjah Museums Authority for a complete list of tours offered.
LOCATION:
The SMA government office in Sharjah is located at the following address: Sharjah Museum Address: Al Layyeh Suburb (in relation to Sharjah Financial De partment) – Sharjah
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Here’s how to contact SMA: Contact: + 971-6-556-6002 | +971-6-556-6003
