The Sharjah Museums Authority has launched a unique initiative called the Museums Express. This mobile museum, housed in a transformed bus, aims to provide students with an immersive journey through history. Launched in 2019, the Museums Express is part of the ‘Museums on the Road’ initiative, which brings cultural education to students in remote areas. The bus features interactive exhibits and artefacts, including Ahmad ibn Majid’s Compass to the World, a model of Al Bateel, a traditional lightweight boat, a 7,000-year-old pearl necklace, and a glider model by aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal.
The Museums Express is divided into three sections: scientific innovation, exploration, and expression. It not only serves schools but also participates in community heritage festivals and events throughout the year. Aisha Rashid Deemas, the Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, mentioned that the initiative aims to inspire creativity and foster a love for history among students. The Museums on the Road initiative specifically targets schools and communities, promoting cultural enrichment in the region. The goal is to connect distant schools and communities, such as those in Kalba and across the emirate of Sharjah.
One of the highlights of Sharjah’s cultural heritage is the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. This museum showcases seven galleries dedicated to the Islamic faith and the achievements of Arab scientists and astronomers. The museum features historical aspects on the ground-level galleries, while the upper floors provide a chronological overview of Islamic arts and crafts, including textiles and jewellery. The museum’s exhibits include astrolabes, manuscripts, ceramics, coins, a gold-embroidered curtain from the Holy Ka’ba, and a mosaic detailing zodiac constellations. The Sharjah Museums Authority has also announced its participation in the Oman National Exhibition, expanding its international presence.
The Sharjah Museums Authority has seen an increase in visitor engagement, with approximately 1.5 million visitors recorded in 2023. To attract more students for research on its extensive collections, the authority has launched over 3,000 community and university programs. Visitor feedback is crucial for the authority to enhance the cultural experience, with plans to expand language offerings beyond Arabic and English to include Urdu and Chinese. This ensures that more visitors can fully enjoy and appreciate the exhibits at the museums. The authority is open to feedback from visitors, aiming to provide an enriching cultural experience for everyone who visits the museums.
In an effort to promote cultural education and enrichment, the Sharjah Museums Authority continues to collaborate with prestigious institutions and expand its international presence. The Museums on the Road initiative, particularly through the Museums Express, plays a vital role in reaching students in remote areas and fostering a love for history and culture. With a focus on engagement and accessibility, the authority is committed to providing a diverse and enriching experience for all visitors. As the authority continues to grow and evolve, it remains dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Sharjah.
