If you are a history buff or a person in love with the ancient past, Sharjah Archaeology Museum is your ultimate destination. It is a well-arranged museum with all its exhibits neatly arranged according to the chronological ages. It is amazing to learn that most of the artifact date back from 5000BC to 3000 BC. The implements and instruments carry a treasure trove of information from days immemorial. The exhibits date back to the Stone Age; therefore, the prime days of human civilization are found at the museum.
The relics of the fishermen, hunters, their old tools made of shells and stones are also an important part of the museum exhibits there. A guided tour of the Sharjah Archaeology Museum is sure to leave you enthralled as well as enlightened.
History
The Sharjah Archaeology Museum is the first museum that was built in Sharjah. The museum was established in October 5, 1997. The ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan Bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi had established the museum. The behind story and anecdotes of Sharjah’s ancient past are displayed through the various artefacts, films, true-to-life models of houses, tombs and other structures.
Things to do at Sharjah Archaeology Museum
There are umpteen number of things you can do while you visit the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. It is a wonderful use of your valuable time while you explore the museum and you get more insightful and knowledgeable about the history of Sharjah starting from its primitive years.
- You can enjoy a guided tour of the museum which is a rich experience. You get acquainted with the history of Sharjah that has its roots in the Stone Age. The artifacts included weapons, jewelry, pottery and coins have tales to tell you of the ancient days. The professional guides share insights about the sites like Dibba and Mleiha which were excavated. The interactive presentations and displays give you an insight about the trade, lives, cultural history of the people who lived in the ancient days. In short, this is a captivating experience to unravel the past through the findings exhibited here.
- You may attend a very unique experience of trying your hand at pottery making at the museum workshop. You will be guided by trained artisan about the age-old custom and legacy of pottery making in the past and employ the same methods. It is a wonderful experience as you may carry home your creations. This interactive training workshop works for both school children as well as family groups.
- There is a display of tools and weapons from the primitive ages to the Islamic period. Visitors can have a crux of the simpler tool of daily usage to the more intricate ones that were used for hunting and for battles. It is an insightful experience for all and people will wonder at the dexterity and skill of the craftsmen whose works have been displayed.
- The jewelry of the ages display is an astounding exhibit that gives an account of all types of Jewlery according to the fashion and the status of the ages. The necklaces and earrings crafted in silver and gold have a story to say of bygone days. This is a must watch section for people interested in the gradual transpiration of historical legacy, culture and art down the ages.
- An archaeological site excursion planned by the museum to the sites that have been excavated is a great idea. The tourists have an opportunity to learn about the process of excavation, about unearthing and to learn about the preservation of the sites.
- The representation of the manuscripts, coins and documents that were in use in the past are an asset to the onlookers. The exhibits provide an educational insight into the lives of the people in the past.
- Tourists can watch films that are suitable for educators and students who have an interest in history, sociology and archaeology.
- The film screenings are suitable for a wide audience, from students and educators to those with a casual interest in history and archaeology. The film screenings focus on historical and archaeological narratives in unravelling the history of the long past.
- There is an interesting archaeology workshop that children can attend at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum. The workshop offers a lot of fun and activities. Children will get involved in the findings and work of real archaeologists. It creates a passion for history among children and it is a formative experience for the kids.
- The lectures imparted on pre-Islamic history helps gain a lot of insight into the social customs, art, architecture, trade of the past. The lecture provides a comprehensive insight on the people’s achievements.
Apart from this, there are several places to explore nearby Museum like Al Qasba, Blue Souk and many more. We recommend to going for a Sharjah city tour that cover several places in one day trip.
Services at the museum
- Free Wi-Fi
- Sanitized rest rooms
- Complimentary Parking
- Prayer room
- Interactive games and audio tour of the venue
- Shops for mementos
- Eateries
Sharjah Archaeology Museum Entrance Fee
Kids below 2 years and senior citizens above 60 are eligible for free entry. However adult and children will have to pay nominal fee which are as follows:
- Adult: AED 10
- Child: AED 5
Location
- The Sharjah Archaeology Museum is located on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Street, Sharjah, UAE.
Timings
- The Sharjah Archaeology Museum opens at 8 am and closes at 8 pm.
How to reach Sharjah Archaeology Museum>
The Sharjah Archaeology Museum is located next to Sharjah Science Museum, between Sheikh Zayed St and Culture Square on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Road in the district called Halwan. A Sharjah bus or taxi will take you to the venue.
To get to the museum, take a Sharjah bus with a stop on the Sharjah bus route close by. Or, reach there quicker with a Sharjah taxi. This museum is next to the Sharjah Science Museum on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saqr Al Qasimi Road in the Halwan district.
Conclusion
The Sharjah Archaeology Museum not only interests and mesmerizes the history buffs but it is also a great source of inspiration to the general visitors. The museum offers interactive learning experience through the interactive videos and games. They learn about the lives of the people of the Stone Age and the Iron Age. The museum workshops, the tours to the excavated sites, the well-arranged exhibits of jewellery, weapons and tools and the stories behind them, the kids’ workshop, the interactive learning experience, learning from film screenings go a long way towards making the museum an ideal seat of learning and a cultural centre.