Prix Versailles recognizes world's most beautiful museum architecture

The 12th edition of the Prix Versailles has identified seven of the world’s most beautiful museums for 2026, highlighting how innovative architecture can transform the visitor experience.

Among the featured projects is the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. Designed to resemble a falcon in flight, the structure utilizes five steel towers that provide natural ventilation, blending traditional principles with modern technology to embody the national identity of the United Arab Emirates.

In Shenzhen, the Science and Technology Museum, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, offers a futuristic vision. The structure, which resembles a spacecraft, focuses on sustainability and climate adaptation, reflecting the dynamic nature of one of the world’s largest urban areas.