In 2026, new museums will emerge in various corners of the world — large-scale cultural initiatives that will complement and rethink the global map of contemporary art, science, and architecture.
The Center for Contemporary Art in Tashkent will be the first major museum of contemporary art in Central Asia. It will be located in a former depot, and its debut exhibition will feature artists from across the region.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will open on Saadiyat Island in a futuristic complex designed by Frank Gehry, covering more than 30,000 m². The museum will showcase art from the 1960s onwards, with a special focus on the MENA and South Asian regions, and will be part of a cultural cluster next to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam will move to a historic Santos warehouse overlooking the port. The new space will allow for the integration of the museum's multimillion collection and expand educational and research programs.
The Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi recently opened and is already among the largest natural history museums in the world. Its exhibition covers 13.8 billion years of Earth's history — from the birth of the universe to the present day.
DATALAND by Refik Anadol in Los Angeles will be a museum of data and artificial intelligence featuring immersive dome projections. It will be an experimental platform where artists and engineers create “living” digital environments.
Also in Los Angeles, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is preparing to open, based on George Lucas's private collection. Over 100,000 objects — from ancient art to artifacts from the Star Wars universe — will be dedicated to visual storytelling.
Dubai Museum of Art will be situated right above the waters of Dubai Creek, creating the effect of a “floating” building. Tadao Ando's project will combine exhibition spaces, art residencies, and other cultural programs.
KANAL – Centre Pompidou in Brussels will open in a renovated Citroën garage, connecting the Centre Pompidou's collection with the dynamic Belgian art scene.
