Culture buffs in Abu Dhabi – there’s some big news! One of the capital’s most historic landmarks, Al Maqta Museum has officially reopened its doors.
Rehabilitated through a joint initiative by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Abu Dhabi Police, it’s a big step towards preserving the emirate’s cultural heritage. There’s some pretty cool historical exhibits by Abu Dhabi Police since its inception, including vintage uniforms and patrol vehicles.
The museum is located within Maqta Fort, at the heart of the Maqta Conservation Area, which includes historic buildings and structures that reflect Abu Dhabi’s urban development.
In the 1950s, the museum’s current building served as a customs house and police station before the construction of the Maqta Bridge. It became the first bridge to connect the island to the surrounding areas.
The bridge complemented the role of Maqta Tower, the first fort built to guard the waterway crossing. The tower still stands tall today in the middle of Khor Al Maqta, marking the site of the first defensive structure securing the channel.
Through rehabilitating and reopening Al Maqta museum, among other landmarks, Abu Dhabi continues to document and protect the national heritage.
The rehabilitation project included restoration of the building and enhancement of the museum’s interpretive content. For the first time, plaster was replaced with a more homogeneous and durable material, closely resembling the original finish.
Part of the wider Maqta Conservation Area, the museum is an opportunity to observe the capital’s progress in stages. Definitely a great place to check out!
For more information, check out Visit Abu Dhabi