Located next to the historic Union House on the Dubai waterfront, the Etihad Museum honours the 1971 signing of the document that created the United Arab Emirates and celebrates the rich culture and history of its people. Comprised of a parabolic shaped Pavilion structure and subterranean Museum, the Etihad Museum is framed around the historic Union House where the nation’s Constitution was signed in 1971. Recognizable by its unique scroll-like form that mimics the parchment paper of the Constitution, the entry features bronze metal text citing the nation’s founding philosophy. Seven rows of embossed bronze columns mimic the form and angle of pens in motion, referencing the act of writing which formalized the seven emirates in this unification.

Much of the museum is underground, including permanent and temporary galleries, theatres, event spaces and archival facilities. The dramatic entrance pavilion rests lightly upon a reflecting pool and plaza, its undulating parabolic curves representing the parchment upon which the unification agreement was written and its tapering golden columns representing the pens with which the document was signed. Lightwells of varying shapes and sizes illuminate the expansive underground spaces, which in turn lead to the circular Union House and the re-created Guest House.

The nature of the Museum’s programming as an immersive learning environment. The pavilion features a stark contrast in its material palette – pristine white marble floors extend throughout the space and form the Amphitheatre steps that allow for an informal gathering space for school groups and seminars to be held, while the upper-level mezzanine that a café and flexible exhibition space. A carefully crafted experience takes the Pavilion visitors below grade via a grand staircase and ramp to an underground museum comprised of permanent and temporary galleries, theatre, event spaces, and archival facilities. Multimedia screens are interspersed throughout the space and feature educational content to cultivate the site as an active historic and cultural campus.