Mashable: The museum has established itself as one of the most significant cultural and art attractions locally, regionally, and worldwide.

The Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) is commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Sharjah Art Museum, which opened in April 1997 to preserve and promote arts.

The free-to-enter museum is surrounded by old traditional buildings that the Sharjah government is preserving as part of its mission to pass on the Emirate's heritage and rich history to future generations.

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One of its kind in the Gulf region, located on Sharjah Corniche Street in the Al Shuwaiheen district, the museum has been promoting creativity by offering a platform to show works by established and rising artists from the UAE, the region, and the world.

Established by Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah in 1997, Sharjah Art Museum is the first and oldest purpose-built museum in the UAE.

The museum has established itself as one of the most significant cultural and art attractions locally, regionally, and worldwide throughout the years while delivering rich experiences to the visitors.

From exhibitions to free programs and special events, both online and onsite, the museum has not only supported the art scenes in the country and region, but has also enabled art enthusiasts around the world to discover and explore dynamic expressions of Arab and international artists through over 300 artworks displayed across 64 halls.

People may also get insight into the evolution of the artistic movement in the Arab region by witnessing selected artworks from the collection of the Barjeel Art Foundation at the museum.

The museum has always been a part of the Sharjah Biennial, a large-scale contemporary art show, and it also hosts the annual Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival, which is organized by the Sharjah Department of Culture. Some of the notable exhibitions organized by the museum include the Emirates Fine Arts Society’s annual exhibition and SMA’s annual ‘Lasting Impressions’ exhibition series - launched in 2011- to showcase the creativity of the Arab region’s most distinguished artists.

Visitors are provided with free tours by guides, who master a number of languages, including Arabic and English.

In the time Covid-19 pandemic, the SMA also responded quickly to the movement restrictions by launching a virtual tour of the Sharjah Art Museum hallways featuring over 100 paintings and artworks.

After more than a quarter-century in operation, the museum remains committed to its mission of spreading culture of creativity, preserving heritage and highlighting its importance in the lives of people, all of which align with the vision and directives of Sharjah Ruler.