A new cultural landmark is set to rise in Sharjah as the Barjeel Art Foundation announces the opening of its long-awaited museum in 2028 — a space dedicated to preserving and celebrating modern and contemporary Arab art.

Founded in 2010 by Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, the foundation has spent years building one of the region’s most significant art collections. Yet, until now, it has existed without a permanent home — moving between institutions such as Maraya Art Centre and Sharjah Art Museum.

The new museum marks a turning point. For the first time, artworks from across the Arab world will be brought together under one roof, offering a comprehensive narrative of the region’s artistic evolution.

Designed as more than just an exhibition space, the museum will feature thematic galleries tracing artistic movements, alongside temporary exhibition areas that keep the dialogue dynamic and evolving. A strong emphasis is placed on inclusivity — particularly through a gender-balanced representation of artists and the unveiling of previously unseen works.

According to curator Rémi Homs, the museum is envisioned as a space for future generations — a place to explore, learn, and connect with a shared cultural identity.

Architecturally, the building will reflect its surroundings while carrying a contemporary vision. Located on land granted by Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the structure will draw inspiration from modern residential forms in Sharjah, blending local context with artistic ambition.

For director Suheyla Takesh, this moment represents more than a physical transition — it is the transformation of a traveling collection into a permanent cultural institution.

Ultimately, the museum stands as a powerful statement: Arab art is not only to be preserved, but to be experienced, studied, and continuously reinterpreted.