Among the first expressions of imagery was the use of shadow. The artistic use of shadow in storytelling was developed in ancient China during the Han dynasty and gained huge popularity throughout Asian culture. The art form later
spread across the Ottoman Empire and reached Europe in the mid-18th century.
Although Aristotle in Greece and Mozi in China were familiar with a form of the pinhole camera, otherwise known as Camera Obscura, it is the Arab scientist Alhazen who really understood it and is credited with its invention between
the years 1015 to 1021.One of Alhazen's most significant contributions to the image was a seven-volume study on optics titled Kitab Al-Manazir (later translated to Latin as Opticae Thesaurus Alhazeni, Alhazen's Book of Optics).
Peepshow Viewers or Peep Boxes can be traced back to 15th century Europe and are known in various other cultures.For hundreds of years this innovation has entertained people. By simply looking through a small hole or magnifying glass,
the viewer enters a world of magical and extraordinary discovery.Showmen carried their Peep Boxes across Europe setting up at fairs and markets displaying images of battles, faraway lands, and historical events.
Invented by Sir Charles Wheatstone in 1838, Stereoscopy enhanced the illusion of depth by turning 2D images into 3D experiences by using a pair of 2 dimensional images and a special viewer. The first Stereoscopy viewers used drawings
as they predate the invention of photography.The Stereoscopy viewers proved extremely popular and hundreds of models were produced.
From the 16th century onwards, artists have played with images to find ways of transforming and distorting them. An example of this is the anamorphic perspective, which distorts reality using mathematical grids. Leonardo Da Vinci was
known to experiment with them. Others transformed images by folding, overlaying and playing with cuts.
The invention of the Magic Lantern in the late 17th century introduced the ability to project images and kicked off a new era in the world of visual entertainment. The first lanterns were mostly used by magicians and conjurers. The
18th century saw the development of the phantasmagoria invented by the Belgian illusionist, Robertson. The projections of ghosts and other frightening figures fascinated people at that time.
Numerous devices that successfully displayed animated images were introduced well before the advent of the motion picture. These devices were used to entertain, amaze, and sometimes even frighten people. The majority of these devices
didn't project their images, and could only be viewed by a one or a few persons at a time. They were considered optical toys rather than devices for a large scale entertainment industry like later animation.
Housing the private collection of Mr. Akram Miknas, which he has accumulated over twenty-five years, the History of Cinema Museum was born out of Mr. Miknas' wish to share his collection with the public, hoping to inspire and educate
the region with an exciting part of history. All items in the museum are original, dating back from the 1730s to the twentieth century.
The museum is unique not only in its subject matter and location, but in the overall experience. The History of Cinema Museum in Dubai features numerous interactive aspects, allowing for guests of all ages to fully experience the rich
history of the moving image by viewing and playing with objects such as peeping into an eighteenth century Dutch peepbox viewer, or turning the reel of an early twentieth century mutoscope to see the flicker effect!
The museum is open every day, except Friday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm
30 AED: Adults (18 years+) .
25 AED: University Students with valid ID.
20 AED: Children (18 years and under), High School Students with valid ID.
Guided tours rates available & Must be booked in advance.
School visit rates available, applicable for all age levels, including university age - Must be booked in advance.
The museum is available for hire for meetings and conferences, networking events, private parties, exhibitions, and other special events. Make your event unique by hosting it in Dubai's newest cultural destination. The museum also hosts children's birthday parties.