The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the largest museum of its kind in the Middle East, is preparing to open a bold new chapter in museum storytelling. Through a pioneering collaboration with Snap Inc., the museum is launching a permanent series of augmented reality (AR) experiences designed to immerse visitors in the history of the universe and life on Earth.
This initiative marks a significant step forward for cultural institutions in the region. By blending world-class scientific research with cutting-edge digital technology, the museum is transforming static exhibits into living, responsive environments that visitors can explore using their own smartphones or Snap’s next-generation AR hardware.
Turning 13.8 billion years of history into a living experience
The AR experiences draw on more than 13.8 billion years of scientific discovery, spanning from the origins of the universe to the evolution of life on Earth. Instead of simply reading about extinct species or geological epochs, visitors are invited to step inside these narratives and experience them at full scale.
Using Snapchat’s camera-based AR and world-transformation technology, the museum overlays digital reconstructions onto physical spaces. Ancient landscapes emerge where modern architecture once stood, and long-extinct creatures return to life with remarkable realism. The result is an experience that feels intuitive, emotional and deeply engaging, particularly for younger audiences accustomed to interactive digital media.
A Jurassic world inside the museum atrium
One of the most striking features of the collaboration is the transformation of the museum’s iconic atrium. Through AR, this central space becomes a lush Jurassic environment filled with prehistoric vegetation, ambient soundscapes and dynamic lighting that shifts as visitors move.
Towering above the atrium floor, life-sized representations of Camarasaurus, Barosaurus and the marine predator Tylosaurus appear to roam freely through the space. These reconstructions are not merely visual spectacles. Each species is accompanied by layered educational storytelling that explains anatomy, behaviour, diet and extinction in clear, accessible language.
A permanently installed QR code within the museum allows visitors to instantly access the AR experience using Snapchat’s camera, eliminating the need for additional apps or complicated setup.
Hands-free exploration with next-generation Spectacles
For visitors seeking a deeper level of immersion, Snap’s next-generation Spectacles introduce a hands-free AR option that blends digital elements seamlessly into the museum’s real-world environment. Wearing the lightweight smart glasses allows guests to move naturally through the galleries while digital creatures and educational overlays appear directly in their field of vision.
One of the most dramatic moments comes when a full-scale Brachiosaurus materialises in front of the viewer. Its immense size, slow movements and textured skin offer a powerful sense of scale that traditional displays simply cannot replicate. The experience is designed to feel less like watching a screen and more like encountering a living animal from deep time.
Inside the body of a blue whale
Among the most immersive educational features is a full-scale blue whale reconstructed with extraordinary photorealistic detail. Suspended in AR space, the whale can be viewed from every angle, allowing visitors to appreciate its sheer size and elegant form.
An interactive X-ray mode lets users toggle between surface anatomy and internal systems. With a simple gesture, the whale’s heart, lungs and skeletal structure appear, floating in space around the viewer. This mode highlights deep-sea adaptations and biological processes in a way that feels immediate and intuitive, turning complex science into a visual experience that is easy to understand and remember.
Education through emotion and curiosity
According to museum leadership, the collaboration is about more than technological novelty. It represents a shift in how education is delivered in cultural spaces. By combining rigorous science with interactive storytelling, the museum aims to spark curiosity and emotional connection alongside factual learning.
The AR experiences are carefully designed to complement physical exhibits rather than replace them. Fossils, specimens and traditional displays remain central, while digital layers provide context, motion and narrative depth. This hybrid approach allows visitors to learn at their own pace, whether they prefer quiet observation or active exploration.
A regional first for museum technology
This partnership represents a regional first in the use of permanent, large-scale augmented reality within a museum setting. Unlike temporary digital installations, these AR experiences are embedded into the museum’s long-term vision, signalling a commitment to innovation and accessibility.
The technology also opens new possibilities for inclusive learning. AR can present information visually, audibly and interactively, supporting different learning styles and making complex scientific concepts more accessible to a wider audience.
Setting a new standard for cultural spaces in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has positioned itself as a global cultural hub, and this collaboration strengthens that reputation. By integrating immersive technology into one of its flagship institutions, the city is demonstrating how smart innovation can enhance cultural spaces without compromising academic integrity.
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi’s AR experiences are designed to evolve over time, with the potential for new content, species and narratives to be added as scientific knowledge advances. This ensures that repeat visits offer fresh discoveries and ongoing relevance.
Practical visitor information
The augmented reality experiences are permanent and included as part of the museum visit. Entry pricing is yet to be announced.
Opening hours are Monday to Thursday from 10am to 6.30pm, and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 8.30pm. The museum is located on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.
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