Translating the spirit of openness and dialogue of cultures
Born of an intergovernmental agreement between the UAE and France in 2007, Louvre Abu Dhabi will be the first universal museum in the Arab World translating the spirit of openness and dialogue of cultures. It will also be one of the premier cultural institutions located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District that are unprecedented in scale and scope.
Louvre Abu Dhabi will display works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from ancient times to the contemporary era. Designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will encompass 9,200 square metres of art galleries.
The Permanent Gallery will house the museum's permanent collection taking the visitor through a universal journey from the most ancient to contemporary through art works from different civilizations. The Temporary Gallery will be a dedicated space presenting temporary exhibitions of international standards. It will be enriched by loans from many notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou.
By presenting different civilisations in the same spaces, and galleries, universal themes and common influences will be highlighted to illustrate similarities and exchanges arising from shared human experience going beyond geography, nationality and history.
When it comes to the museum's design, Nouvel has a falaj-inspired water system running through the museum, inspired by ancient Arabian engineering whilst the geometric lace dome was inspired by the interlaced palm leaves traditionally used as roofing material and resulting in an enchanting rain of light.
Construction of Louvre Abu Dhabi is well underway and its opening will be announced in due course.
At a glance
- First universal museum in the Arab world
- Designed by Pritzer-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel
- Partners - Agence France-Museums and Musee du Louvre
- 9200 sq. m of galleries for permanent displays
- 2000 sq. m reserved for temporary exhibitions
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