The Biggest International Museum Openings In 2026

From George Lucas's new museum in LA to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a host of institutions are preparing to open their doors this year.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art opens in September 2026 Image: The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art

Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, US

Founded by husband and wife, the legendary Star Wars filmmaker George Lucas and businesswoman Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is opening in Exhibition Park, LA, September 2026.

Set on an 11-acre campus, the museum will be dedicated to narrative storytelling and will feature works from Norman Rockwell, Beatrix Potter, Frida Kahlo and Windsor McCay. The museum will also include the Lucas Archives, which include models, props and costumes from George Lucas’ filming career.

Design Doha

Qatar Museums’ Design Doha biennial is set to open in April 2026. Led by artistic director Glenn Adamson, the second edition of Qatar Museums’ Design Doha will focus on ethical and sustainable practices and its headline exhibition, Arab Design Now, will celebrate local and regional talent.

Kanal, Belgium

Due to open in November 2026, Kanal will not only be Brussel’s first museum of modern and contemporary art and architecture but will also be Europe’s largest modern and contemporary art development. Located at a former Citroen car factory in the centre of Brussels, the space, designed by Atelier Kanal, will include facilities from live music and performance venues to a bookshop and library.

Memphis Art Museum, US

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is changing location and becoming the Memphis Art Museum in December 2026. Already the oldest and largest art museum in Tennessee, the new site, located in downtown Memphis, will expand gallery space by 50%. The new site has an emphasis on accessibility, with lots of free public spaces to be available.

Guggenheim Museum, Abu Dhabi

First announced in 2006 and originally planned to open in 2012, Abu Dhabi’s long-awaited Guggenheim Museum is expected to welcome the public this year. Located on Saadiyat Island, the museum will feature a global collection of post-1960s works, with a focus on indigenous art and underrepresented artists.

LACMA David Geffen Galleries, US

LACMA’s David Geffen Galleries, located on Wilshire Boulevard, LA, will open April 2026. The building, designed by Prizker-winning architect Peter Zumthor, has been part of a two-decade transformation.

The gallery is set to include art from all eras and cultures on a single exhibition level, signalling its commitment to inclusivity, as well as outdoor sculptures. The building’s architecture will allow for natural lighting and panoramic views of the city. The gallery is named in recognition of David Geffen’s $150 million gift.

Design Museum Gent, Belgium

The Design Museum Gent in Belgium will reopen in October 2026 after a renovation and a new wing. The renovation promises improved facilities including space for lectures, design courses and workshops, as well as garden areas.

Muzej Lah, Slovenia

Situated in the beautiful Julian Alps in Bled, Slovenia, Muzej Lah hopes to become a cultural hub for local community and international visitors. The museum will feature contemporary art from the Fundacija Lah art collection, made accessible to the public for the first time. The collection features artists from Joseph Beuys and Emilia Kabakov, to William Kentridge and Anselm Kiefer, and the architecture hopes to complement both the alpines and Bled Castle.

https://www.museumsassociation.org/museums-journal/author/grace-bannistercity-ac-uk/

The Walt Disney Company And Miral Announce Plans For Disney Theme Park And Resort On Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

The Walt Disney Company and Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, announced an agreement to create a landmark Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The waterfront resort will be located on Yas Island, a world-class destination for entertainment and leisure, connecting travelers from the Middle East and Africa, India, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This seventh Disney theme park resort will combine Disney’s iconic stories, characters and attractions with Abu Dhabi’s vibrant culture, stunning shorelines, and breathtaking architecture.

“Abu Dhabi is a place where heritage meets innovation, where we preserve our past while designing the future,” His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman at Miral, said. “The collaboration between Abu Dhabi and Disney demonstrates the remarkable results of combining visionary leadership and creative excellence. What we are creating with Disney in Abu Dhabi is a whole new world of imagination — an experience that will inspire generations across the region and the world, creating magical moments and memories that families will treasure forever. Through the development of unique attractions and experiences, Abu Dhabi continues to be a destination of choice for the world.”

The new resort will be fully developed and built by Miral. Disney and its legendary Imagineers will lead creative design and operational oversight to provide a world-class experience. Miral, which has developed a number of family entertainment destinations on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in collaboration with American and European brands, will operate the resort.

“This is a thrilling moment for our company as we announce plans to build an exciting Disney theme park resort in Abu Dhabi, whose culture is rich with an appreciation of the arts and creativity,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “As our seventh theme park destination, it will rise from this land in spectacular fashion, blending contemporary architecture with cutting edge technology to offer guests deeply immersive entertainment experiences in unique and modern ways. Disneyland Abu Dhabi will be authentically Disney and distinctly Emirati – an oasis of extraordinary Disney entertainment at this crossroads of the world that will bring to life our timeless characters and stories in many new ways and will become a source of joy and inspiration for the people of this vast region to enjoy for generations to come.”

The UAE is located within a four-hour flight of one-third of the world’s population, making it a significant gateway for tourism. The UAE is home to the largest global airline hub in the world, with 120 million passengers traveling through Abu Dhabi and Dubai each year.

“This groundbreaking resort destination represents a new frontier in theme park development,” said Josh D’Amaro, Chairman, Disney Experiences. “Our resort in Abu Dhabi will be the most advanced and interactive destination in our portfolio. The location of our park is incredibly unique – anchored by a beautiful waterfront – which will allow us to tell our stories in completely new ways. This project will reach guests in a whole new part of the world, welcoming more families to experience Disney than ever before. Ultimately, it will be a celebration of what’s possible when creativity and progress come together.”

“Bringing a Disney theme park resort to Yas Island marks a historic milestone in our journey to further advance the island’s position as a global destination for exceptional entertainment and leisure,” said Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral. “Together, we are creating a place of boundless innovation, where the vision of our leadership continues to inspire the world.” The development of unique experiences will support sustained economic growth in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Upon completion, the new theme park resort will offer signature Disney entertainment, themed accommodations, unique dining and retail experiences, and storytelling in a way that celebrates both the heritage of Disney and the futuristic and cultural essence of Abu Dhabi.

The Sphere Just Announced Its Second Location

You might be familiar with the feeling of being in the nosebleeds at your favorite artist’s show, wondering whether it was wise to sacrifice your paycheck to the concert gods after all. Sphere, an immersive-media experience in Las Vegas, theoretically fixes that problem by making sure you at least have a humongous screen to look at in a totally futuristic space. And soon, this experience will no longer be limited to the States.

Sphere Entertainment Co. and the Department of Culture and Tourism from Abu Dhabi announced Tuesday that the world’s second Sphere will be constructed in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The original Sphere has a 20,000-person capacity, and its sequel is planned to have a similar scale. There’s currently no word on opening dates.

In early 2023, this 516-feet-wide and 366-feet-tall circular structure blinked to life with a “Hello, World.” When the dome cycled through images of the globe and the smiling sun in the weeks following, it launched about one million viral memes. Then, in September of 2023, U2 kicked off its now-famous, can-be-seen-from-space concert experience with a 25-day residency. Since then Sphere has hosted bloody UFC fights, multiple residencies, and even inspired copy cat venues.

James L. Dolan, executive chairman and chief executive officer at Sphere Entertainment said in a statement that the future of this new form of all-encompassing entertainment was always intended to be global.

“Sphere is redefining live entertainment and extending the reach of its transformative impact. We are proud to collaborate with DCT Abu Dhabi to develop Sphere in their city,” said Dolan.

“Sphere Abu Dhabi will seamlessly integrate advanced technology with captivating storytelling, creating unforgettable memories for everyone who visits… By embracing cutting-edge entertainment like Sphere, we're not only elevating our global profile but also setting new standards in immersive experiences and cultural offerings.” H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said in a press statement.

We can only imagine what new memes will soon be lighting up the night sky. Or how much people will pay for photos of the new venue.

https://www.thrillist.com/authors/gwen-egan

SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi crowned the Largest Indoor Marine-Life Theme Park by Guinness World Records™

SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region's first Marine Life Theme Park, has won a coveted place in the Guinness World Records™ as the 'Largest Indoor Marine-Life Theme Park' in the world. The certificate was presented to Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, and the SeaWorld Abu Dhabi leadership. This milestone comes less than one year after the colossal theme park spanning over 183,000 sqm across five indoor levels opened its doors to the public.

SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, an experience by Miral, offers guests a fascinating glimpse into the world of marine life, combining entertainment, education and conservation in one place. Guests can discover the vast ocean through eight immersive realms including Abu Dhabi Ocean, One Ocean, MicroOcean, Endless Ocean, Tropical Ocean, Rocky Point and Polar Ocean which is divided into the Arctic realm and Antarctica realm. The marine life theme park is committed to providing the highest standard of animal welfare based on best practices and standards set by internationally recognized animal welfare organizations and is the region's first facility to be certified by Global Humane, the world's largest certifier of animal welfare.

SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi General Manager, Thomas Kaferle, said: "We are very pleased to receive recognition from Guinness World Records™ as the world's largest Marine-Life Theme Park. This prestigious achievement is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible entertainment experience, coupled with an interactive educational aspect enabling guests to learn more about marine life in a fun and entertaining setting that engages all ages.

With an incredible variety of aquatic life, over 15 interactive experiences and thrilling rides, in addition to animal experiences and presentations, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi offers a wealth of educational opportunities allowing guests to gain insights from the park's experts about the mesmerizing marine life. Additionally, guests can enjoy over 20 live characters and performances, along with more than 10 up-close encounters with animals, guaranteeing delightful entertainment throughout their visit. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi is also home to one of the world's largest multi-species marine life aquariums, where visitors can witness the majesty of marine life on a grand scale. Additionally, there is plenty of choice for pitstops for guests wanting to take a break and enjoy the refreshments on offer from SeaWorld Abu Dhabi's 17 dining experiences that present diverse offerings ranging from buffets and fine dining to grab and go. Furthermore, there are 13 shopping experiences that allow visitors to find the perfect souvenir to commemorate their visit, such as a penguin plushie or photo opportunities.

With its newfound record-breaking status, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi reaffirms its position as one of the top global attractions, showcasing the wonders of marine life to visitors from around the world.

To purchase tickets or learn more about SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, please visit www.seaworldabudhabi.com.

UAE Ambassador: US Confirms That Emiratis Exempted From Trump Ban #TrumpTravelBan

The UAE embassy in Washington on Tuesday has confirmed that Emiratis will not be affected by Trump’s travel ban.

In a series of tweets, Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the UAE to the US, announced that the embassy has consulted with American officials, and has been assured that the new immigration law will not affect UAE citizens.

Al Otaiba further confirmed that Emiratis can proceed with their plans to visit the United States.

In case of an emergency, residents are advised to contact the embassy.

The assurance was made following President Donald Trump’s US travel entry ban earlier this week against seven Muslim-majority countries, which left transit passengers stranded at Dubai International Airport.

Meanwhile, airlines in the UAE said they were doing everything they can to help passengers caught in the 90-day temporary US entry ban, which include the countries of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

On Monday, Emirates said it has adjusted its crews for flights to the United States, while an Etihad Airways spokesperson told Gulf News that is working closely with the US Customs and Border Protection agency in Abu Dhabi and in the USA on the immigration issues presented over the weekend.

Etihad Airways said: “Our joint interest is on ensuring that compliance and the well-being of all passengers is maintained across our global network.”

Abu Dhabi Offers Luxury, Adventure, And, Soon, 3 Major Cultural Institutions

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Elnur | Dreamstime.com

ABU DHABI

The capital of the United Arab Emirates offers luxury, adventure, and, soon, three major cultural institutions. 

This opulent city on the Persian Gulf is on the cusp of becoming the Middle East's fine-arts darling, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi opening in late 2016, in a striking building designed by Jean Nouvel, and the new Guggenheim, the largest in the world, set to open in early 2017. The Louvre will exhibit work from several French museums (including the Centre Georges Pompidou, Musée d'Orsay, and the Palace of Versailles); the Guggenheim, housed in one of architect Frank Gehry's futuristic masterpieces, will show modern and contemporary art from its parent foundation’s extensive collection, with temporary exhibitions that will focus heavily on contemporary Middle Eastern works. Joining these two juggernauts in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District is the Norman Foster–designedZayed National Museum, also scheduled to be completed in 2016. And then there’s Abu Dhabi’s natural beauty, which has long enticed travelers: It’s only a stone’s throw from the epic Empty Quarter, the largest contiguous sand desert in the world, where adventurous types can try sports like dune bashing and sand boarding.

Where to Stay: The new 34-story Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi will open for business in spring 2016. With 190 guestrooms, a rooftop pool, and a huge garden overlooking Al Maryah Island's waterfront promenade, travelers seeking unlimited indulgence, as well as culture and adventure, will have one more reason to visit. Staying in the desert in a Bedouin-inspired encampment is an iconic experience, and Qasr Al Sarab by Anantara offers one of the best. Every luxurious room, suite, and tented villa boasts vast views of the towering sand dunes.

Insider Tip: Always dress demurely, and during the summer, be prepared for extreme heat outside and extreme cold inside: The A/C in Abu Dhabi is set proportionately opposite to the temperature outside.

When to Go: Hotels are busy year-round thanks to business travelers. For tourists, fall and winter are best, when temperatures hover pleasantly in the 60s and 70s. Be aware that summer heat curtails most outdoor activities.

Plan Your Trip: Visit our United Arab Emirates Forum
—Margaret Kelly

Source: http://www.fodors.com/