Museums Become Bridges Connecting Cultures, Says MTE Studios at Ajman University Event
UAE-based immersive exhibition company MTE Studios highlighted the growing role of museums in fostering cultural understanding and global dialogue during a special International Museum Day 2026 session held at Ajman University.
The event, organised in collaboration with ICOM UAE, explored the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World” and featured insights from Ludo Verheyen, founder of MTE Studios.
During the session, Verheyen discussed how museums are evolving beyond traditional exhibition spaces into platforms that encourage dialogue, reflection, empathy, and cultural connection. Drawing on examples from institutions such as the AfricaMuseum and the Apartheid Museum, he demonstrated how museums can help communities engage with history, identity, and shared human experiences.
A key focus of the discussion was MTE Studios’ internationally recognised Sultans of Science exhibition, which highlights the scientific and intellectual contributions of the Islamic world. Verheyen explained how such exhibitions can challenge historical misconceptions, revive shared cultural heritage, and inspire curiosity across different societies.
“Exhibitions have the power to create bridges between cultures in ways that politics often cannot,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in promoting understanding rather than division.
The event brought together students, creatives, academics, and cultural professionals to examine how museums can contribute to a more connected and inclusive future by preserving collective memory and encouraging meaningful conversations.
With offices in Dubai and Cape Town, MTE Studios has developed a reputation for delivering large-scale educational and cultural experiences across multiple continents.
Among its notable projects are the award-winning Science Museum at KAUST, Ajman Fort Museum, Masfoot Museum, Dubai Transport Museum, and contributions to the revitalisation of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
The International Museum Day session reinforced the growing importance of museums as institutions that not only preserve heritage but also promote cross-cultural understanding, education, and global cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.
