Sharjah Institute for Heritage
Revealing Untold Chronicles
Opportunity
When the “Sharjah Institute for Heritage” sought to list eight historic sites across the Emirate of Sharjah for UNESCO World Heritage status under the nomination of SGTS – Sharjah: The Gateway to the Trucial States; Ochre was commissioned to create an accompanying Interpretation Centre. Sharjah has always been more than a city on the map. Its location on one of the world’s oldest sea routes made it a natural crossroads, connecting East and West through trade, culture, and diplomacy. From ancient civilisations to the signing of the peace treaties that shaped the Trucial States, Sharjah’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and transformation. The challenge was to translate this rich and layered history into a museum experience that felt both authentic and relevant, a space where visitors could not only learn about the past but also connect it to the present and future identity of Sharjah and the wider UAE.
Solution
We shaped a narrative journey through three defining themes: Sharjah: An unfolding story, Heart of Sharjah, and The Modern Nation. Each space was designed to balance historical accuracy with immersive storytelling, using artefacts, architecture, and personal accounts to give voice to the people who lived through these changes. The exhibition experience moves from Sharjah’s role as a trading hub, through its flourishing as a historic town of souqs and mosques, to its place today as a centre of knowledge, science and culture. This curatorial structure creates continuity while allowing each room to highlight a distinct aspect of Sharjah’s evolution.
Result
The museum has become a living chronicle of Sharjah’s identity — one that preserves its heritage while reflecting its ongoing journey of growth and innovation. By grounding the exhibition in human stories and local perspectives, it resonates with both residents and international visitors, offering insight into Sharjah’s pivotal role in shaping the UAE. The result is an experience that is educational yet deeply personal, providing a space where the past informs the present and inspires the future.
An unfolding story
Tracing Sharjah’s journey from an ancient trading crossroads to a modern centre of culture and knowledge, told through the voices and stories of its people.
A diverse and connected landscape
Animated narrative of a ‘Diverse and connected landscape’ brought to life through projection mapping on a topographic landscape of the Emirate.
Room 3 - Heart of Sharjah
Tracing how the Historic Town of Sharjah, set on a sheltered creek, evolved from a flexible centre of trade and regional decision-making into today’s living Heart of Sharjah, where souqs, mosques and plazas continue to adapt to the community’s needs.
We designed tools to explore different factors of growth through the lenses of governance, economics, commerce and culture.
