SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates — Sharjah has launched the Irthi Museum, the region’s first museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary craft, creating a permanent space for preserving, studying and reimagining traditional artisan practices.
The museum, established by the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, is located within Sharjah Creative Quarter and marks a decade of efforts focused on supporting Emirati artisans and promoting craft heritage through contemporary design.
The new institution aims to connect generations of craftsmanship with modern creative practices, offering visitors insight into how traditional techniques continue to evolve.
Sharjah, which was named a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, has positioned cultural preservation and artistic innovation as key elements of its identity. The museum adds to the emirate’s growing network of cultural destinations and creative institutions.
Preserving heritage through modern design
The Irthi Museum will serve as a platform for exhibitions, research and cultural exchange, while supporting artisans working across Emirati and regional craft disciplines.
Organisers said the museum is designed not only as a place to display historic practices but also as a space where crafts can continue developing through new ideas, collaborations and contemporary interpretations.
The initiative reflects wider efforts in the UAE to support creative industries by providing artists and craftspeople with opportunities to reach new audiences locally and internationally.
Reem Bin Karam, director general of Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, said the museum represents a connection between inherited craft knowledge and future creative expression.
She described the space as a way to ensure traditional practices remain active and adaptable rather than being viewed only as historical artifacts.
A new cultural destination in Sharjah
The museum is expected to contribute to Sharjah’s reputation as a regional hub for culture, research and artistic production.
Through exhibitions and programmes, the institution will highlight the skills of artisans while encouraging conversations around the role of craft in contemporary society.
The opening comes as the UAE continues expanding its cultural infrastructure, with museums, creative districts and heritage initiatives attracting both residents and international visitors.
The Irthi Museum will continue developing its programme of exhibitions and activities, positioning itself as a long-term centre for contemporary craft in the UAE and the wider region.
