Al Hisn

Al Hisn (The Fort) is an 19th century historic building. It offers the opportunity to learn about the modern history of Sharjah, the ruling family, the history of the fort, the defense methods and Sharjah’s everyday life 200 years ago.

The fort undergone major renovations in 2012-2014 to turn it into a museum. The main challenge was the presentation of this historic building, and the conversion of some of its spaces into museum galleries while maintaining their main features. This challenge was addressed by re-creating the original function of most of the fort’s spaces, and turning others into galleries to display the museum’s collection. The design strategy followed a minimalist in order not to distract the perception of the original space and the family that use to live their. The exhibition design strategy followed a minimalist approach in order not to distract the perception of the original spaces meanwhile focusing on the recreation and the interpretation of the spaces that narrate the story of the family that use to live their.