SHARJAH ART MUSEUM

Opened in 1997, the most prestigious art gallery in the Emirates, soon to be rivalled by the international museums under construction in Abu Dhabi, is tucked away on the Corniche, behind the Old Souk and the historic buildings of the Arts Area. Once in front of it, one wonders how an architect dared to plant such an imposing structure in such an urbanized area. Orientalist painters of the ^18th and ^19th centuries are in the spotlight here, taking us on a journey to the Maghreb and Egypt: landscapes, scenes of daily life and portraits follow one another, recreating a gentle oriental ambience with artists such as Abdulqader Al Rais, Louay Kayali, Bashir Sinwar, Faiq Hassan, Mohammed Yusuf and Ismail Fatah Al-Turk. However, the museum's primary focus is on contemporary art, and both Arab and Western artists find here a space to exhibit their work, original works on sometimes heterogeneous supports. Upstairs and in the fourth wing, there are regular temporary exhibitions of works by local artists on loan from internationally renowned galleries such as the Barjeel Art Foundation. Don't miss the library, with over 4,000 art books in Arabic, English and other languages, which is also open to visitors. Immediate lesson: known for its conservative leanings, Sharjah dares to present bold cultural expressions. A highly recommended visit to the temple of the famous Biennale organized by the Art Foundation.