A unique bus converted into a mobile museum is offering students an engaging journey through history. Introduced in 2019 by the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), the Museums Express is a key component of the 'Museums on the Road' program, aimed at delivering cultural education to students in remote regions. Khaleej Times had the exclusive opportunity to explore the interior of the bus, which showcases highlights from Sharjah's museums.
The Museums Express features interactive exhibits and artifacts, such as Ahmad ibn Majid’s Compass to the World and a model of Al Bateel, a traditional lightweight boat. Among the standout items is a remarkable 7,000-year-old pearl necklace, the oldest found in the Emirates, alongside a glider model crafted by aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal in 1894.
Inside the bus, visitors can delve into three main sections: scientific innovation, exploration, and expression. The Museums Express not only caters to schools but also participates in community heritage festivals and events throughout the year. “Museums on the Road are intended to reach distant schools, including those in Kalba and other parts of the emirate,” explained Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority, in an interview with Khaleej Times. “Our objective is to kindle creativity and cultivate a passion for history among students.” This initiative focuses on both schools and communities, promoting cultural enrichment.
Sharjah boasts a rich cultural heritage, exemplified by the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. This museum presents seven galleries dedicated to Islamic faith and the accomplishments of Arab scientists and astronomers. The ground-level galleries emphasize historical elements, while the upper floors offer a chronological view of Islamic arts and crafts, including textiles and jewelry. Notable exhibits include astrolabes, manuscripts, ceramics, and coins, along with a gold-embroidered curtain from the Holy Ka’ba and a mosaic depicting zodiac constellations.
The Sharjah Museums Authority is also broadening its global footprint, recently confirming participation in the Oman National Exhibition this October. SMA has a history of collaborating with esteemed institutions, including a joint exhibition with the Vatican in 2018. Visitor engagement remains a priority for SMA, with approximately 1.5 million visitors recorded in 2023, marking a substantial increase from previous years. The authority has initiated over 3,000 community and university programs to attract students for research on its extensive collections.
“We are constantly keen to receive feedback from our visitors,” Deemas emphasized. “Each visitor who enters the museum feels there is always something new to uncover, enhancing their cultural journey.” To improve accessibility, the museums are expanding their language offerings beyond Arabic and English to include Urdu and Chinese, ensuring that a broader audience can fully appreciate the exhibits.
