Museum of the Future House at SXSW Attracts 25,000+ Visitors

The Museum of the Future House at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, captivated global audiences, attracting over 25,000 visitors in just five days. The activation became one of the festival’s most visited and widely covered experiences, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a hub for innovation, technology, and creative industries.

With lines stretching around the block, the house featured 20 interactive discussions, including an AI-driven experience exploring the relationship between humanity, nature, and emerging technologies. A key highlight was Earth Dreams, a groundbreaking digital artwork by acclaimed artist Refik Anadol, known for transforming real environmental data into dynamic visual narratives.

Over 40 distinguished speakers and experts from the UAE and beyond participated in thought-provoking discussions on space exploration, AI, future food systems, literature, filmmaking, and strategic foresight. Notably, the house hosted a conversation on lunar living, featuring Emirati astronaut Hazzaa AlMansoori and Canadian astronaut Shawna Pandya, discussing the future of life beyond Earth.

Another standout session, Food from the Dunes, explored sustainable food solutions from desert landscapes, featuring Emirati chef Maitha Tariq Warshaw alongside a panel of culinary experts. Meanwhile, the Future of Storytelling series delved into the evolution of Arab cinema, with discussions led by Butheina Kazim, founder of Cinema Akil, alongside Mohammed Saeed Harib, creator of the Emirati animated series Freej, and UAE Film Director & Scriptwriter Maitha Alawadi.

As the official sponsor of the festival’s 2050 track, Dubai Future Foundation hosted several forward-looking sessions within the Museum of the Future House and across SXSW venues. The house also welcomed over 130 journalists, media professionals, and content creators, generating 115+ media features in leading US publications.

Beyond discussions, visitors enjoyed immersive cultural experiences, including handcrafted chocolates from Dubai’s renowned FIX Dessert Chocolatier and traditional Karak tea from Project Chaiwala.

By seamlessly blending technology, creativity, and cultural storytelling, the Museum of the Future House at SXSW solidified Dubai’s position as a global leader in shaping the future.