Rain Room is the famous installation by the London- and Berlin-based art group Random International: a room of continuous rain that you walk through without getting wet. In Sharjah it has been on permanent display since May 2018 in Al Majarrah; it is the first permanent version of the work and its Middle East premiere. The installation is run by Sharjah Art Foundation.
Tickets and prices
What to see
Created in 2012, the work was shown at London's Barbican, MoMA in New York, Shanghai's Yuz Museum and LACMA in Los Angeles before Sharjah. Here it has its own building: a darkened underground hall designed by Sharjah Art Foundation with SpaceContinuum Design Studio and Shape Architecture. A network of 3D cameras tracks visitors and stops the rain directly above each person, while the 2,500 litres of water are cleaned and recycled.
A maximum of seven people enter at a time, for a session of 10–15 minutes. The venue has a café and a shop, and Al Majarrah Park is next door.
Getting there
Rain Room is in Al Majarrah, not far from Buhaira Corniche. A taxi or car is easiest; paid parking is available on nearby streets and in public car parks. From Dubai the drive takes from half an hour, depending on traffic into Sharjah.
Planning your visit
Tickets cost AED 25, or AED 15 for students up to 22 and teachers; children up to 5 and People of Determination with a companion enter free. Sessions start every 15 minutes; tickets are sold on site, but slots sell out at weekends and on holidays, so book online on the Foundation's website. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot with your booking confirmation and ID. Tickets are valid only for the chosen date and time and cannot be exchanged or refunded.
Before you go
Avoid dark, shiny, reflective or waterproof clothing, which can confuse the sensors, and pointed high heels. Move slowly: sudden movements can get you slightly wet. Umbrellas and rain gear are not allowed, and food and drink stay outside. Personal phone photos are fine, while professional photography needs the Foundation's permission. Children must be supervised at all times.
Rain Room, 26 Street, Al Majarrah, Al Sharq, Sharjah · 25.365719, 55.393112
