Zayed National Museum listed as one of World’s Most Beautiful Museums 2026 by Prix Versailles

Zayed National Museum has been selected as one of the World’s Most Beautiful Museums 2026 by Prix Versailles, the prestigious international architecture and design award presented annually at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.

The national museum of the UAE has been recognised as one of only seven institutions globally, and the only one from the region, highlighting its architectural excellence, commitment to sustainability, innovative design and contribution to cultural landscapes.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Lord Norman Foster of Foster + Partners, the museum sits at the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District. Spanning more than 56,000 square metres, the museum is defined by five steel towers inspired by the wing of a falcon in flight, a direct reference to the Emirati tradition of falconry. Rising to 123 metres, it is the tallest structure in the district. Incorporating advanced environmental systems, the towers function as thermal chimneys to naturally regulate airflow, while the textured surface of the building’s mound represents the topography of the UAE and also functions to insulate the building from solar gain.

Surrounding the museum, Al Masar Garden features native plant species and traditional falaj irrigation. Inside, six permanent galleries trace more than 300,000 years of human history on this land, from early archaeological evidence to the formation of the UAE.

Zayed National Museum tells the story of the land and its people and honours the legacy and values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, and his commitment to the preservation of the Emirati identity.

The World's Most Beautiful Museums category was introduced in 2024, with seven institutions nominated each year competing for three World Titles: Prix Versailles, Special Prize for Interior and Special Prize for Exterior. 2026 honourees include: the Science and Technology Museum in Shenzhen, China; Xuelei Fragrance Museum in Guangzhou, China; MoN Takanawa in Tokyo, Japan; Lost Shteti Museum in Šeduva, Lithuania; National Medal of Honour Museum in Arlington, United States and the Center for Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Of the seven museums selected for the 2026 World’s Most Beautiful Museums List, three will receive the further distinction of a World Title, Interior and Exterior from Prix Versailles.