DISCOVER THE WONDERS OF THE LOUVRE ABU DHABI: A CULTURAL OASIS IN THE HEART OF THE EMIRATES

In the heart of the United Arab Emirates, in the glittering city of Abu Dhabi, stands an architectural masterpiece that embodies the meeting of art, culture and bold vision. Designed as a bridge between East and West, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is much more than just a museum. It is a declaration of love to culture, history and beauty, and a testament to humanity’s ability to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

It’s the last Louvre museum to see the light of day… surely you’re familiar with the other two?

 

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND ART

Origin of Vision

In the enchanting realm of Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, the Louvre Abu Dhabi stands as a testament to the fusion of art, culture and diplomacy. A cultural marvel born of an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2007 between the United Arab Emirates and France, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first-ever universal museum in the Arab world. With a deep aspiration for a museum similar to the Louvre in Paris, embracing diverse artistic expressions, the idea captured the hearts of Emirati leaders, including Emir Khalifa ben Zayed Al Nahyane and Crown Prince Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane.

A Pioneering Cultural Partnership
The realization of this ambitious dream saw the creation of a unique cultural partnership between France and the United Arab Emirates. President Jacques Chirac, inspired by the project, signed the intergovernmental agreement sealing a 30-year collaboration that gave birth to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The architectural marvel, entrusted to the ingenious Jean Nouvel, has become the focal point of a burgeoning cultural district on Saadiyat Island, where it coexists harmoniously with other future cultural landmarks.

 

NURTURING CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The Essence of E-A-T in Collaboration

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is more than just a museum; it symbolizes a profound exchange of Expertise, Authority and Reliability (E-A-T) between nations. France, as the guiding force behind the architectural design, contributes not only to the physical structure, but also to the intellectual and cultural richness of the museum. For a decade after its inauguration in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will be enriched by loans from French collections, with the promise of organized annual exhibitions, fostering an ongoing artistic dialogue.

The Extended Tapestry of Cultural Collaboration

In a move that signals commitment, the Emirates have pledged substantial financial support over 30 years, amounting to 965 million euros. This considerable investment benefits not only the Louvre Abu Dhabi, but also its French counterparts, forming the core of an intergovernmental initiative. The collaboration extends beyond the museum walls, laying the foundations for a rich tapestry of shared cultural experiences and artistic endeavors.

 

ARCHITECTURAL SYMPHONY OF THE SAADIYAT LOUVRE

Creating a Monument to History

The architectural saga of the Louvre Abu Dhabi unfolded with precision and dedication. From the meticulous foundations laid by Bauer International to the creative vision manifested in Jean Nouvel’s design, the journey speaks volumes.

The emblematic dome, adorned with 7,850 aluminum and stainless steel stars, channels natural light, creating a delicate shadow reminiscent of the light filtered through the leaves of a palm tree in Arabian palm groves and souks. This unique design creates a magical interplay of light and shadow inside the Louvre Museum, offering a captivating visual experience for visitors.

Revealing Challenges and Triumphs

The story of this Louvre’s construction, marked by Buro Happold’s strategic involvement in waterproofing, encountered delays attributed to the complexities of dome installation and hydraulic works. Despite these challenges, the Louvre Abu Dhabi emerged as a triumph, opening its doors to the world on November 11, 2017, with a grand inauguration attended by world leaders and eminent personalities.

 

AN ART TREASURE THROUGH THE AGES

Enriching Collections Across the Millennia

Since its inception, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has embarked on a journey of acquisition, amassing a collection that spans millennia. You’ll find ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, historical objects and contemporary works of art, and it’s all part of what makes the museum today considered a true custodian of the world’s artistic heritage.

Its commitment to ongoing expansion is evident, with recent additions in 2020, including bronzes by Rodin, Japanese prints and works by Chagall, enriching the visitor experience every year.

The museum’s collection is enriched by loans from renowned French museums, including the Louvre in Paris, the Centre Pompidou and the Musée d’Orsay.

Icons Across Civilizations

Diving into the Louvre Abu Dhabi collection offers a journey through the ages, from Egyptian statues of Osiris to Tang dynasty boxes, from Renaissance portraits to 20th-century masterpieces. Each artifact resonates with historical significance, creating a kaleidoscopic narrative that transcends geographical and temporal boundaries.

A message of tolerance and unity

One of the central missions of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is to promote tolerance, intercultural dialogue and unity. The museum aims to break down cultural barriers by highlighting the similarities between the world’s different civilizations. The galleries are organized thematically rather than geographically, enabling visitors to make connections between cultures and understand the links that unite them.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum

Access to the Louvre Abu Dhabi is designed to facilitate the visit of art lovers and the curious. The museum is located in the beautiful city of Abu Dhabi, offering a variety of access routes for visitors. For travelers from other parts of the United Arab Emirates or abroad, Abu Dhabi can be reached by various means of transport, including air or road.

Abu Dhabi International Airport is well connected to the world’s major destinations, facilitating the arrival of international visitors. For those who prefer the road, well-maintained freeways provide easy access to the city from other parts of the UAE.

Louvre Abu Dhabi prices and ticketing

Entrance fees are designed to cater for a wide range of visitors. Adults aged 18 and over benefit from a fixed entrance fee of AED 63.00 (€16).

Online ticketing is available to facilitate the purchase of tickets, and a reservation service is available from Monday to Friday to answer any questions visitors may have and facilitate the planning of their visit.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi also offers special benefits for visitors. Museum members enjoy free admission, as well as exclusive access to special events and other benefits. Becoming a member is an excellent option for those wishing to explore the museum’s art treasures on a regular basis.

Several categories of visitors benefit from free admission, including people under 18, senior citizens over 60 residing in the United Arab Emirates, Art Club members accompanied by a guest, holders of the Youth and Teachers Pass, ICOM/ICOMOS cardholders, journalists and mentally handicapped people accompanied by a guest. This diversity of rates aims to make art accessible to a varied public, thus encouraging a diversity of visitors to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Opening hours of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum

The Louvre’s opening hours offer visitors flexibility, adapting to different schedules. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is open daily from 10:00 am to midnight except Mondays (closed).

The galleries and exhibitions are open until 6.30pm on weekdays and until 8.30pm from Friday to Sunday.

Museum café and restaurant opening hours

You can also discover and enjoy the architecture of the building, or dine in the cafés and restaurants until midnight.

Museum Café : Weekdays (Tuesday – Thursday) | 10am – 7pm Weekends (Friday – Sunday) | 10am – 9pm Closed on Mondays

Art Lounge : Every day except Monday, from 5pm to midnight.

Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi and Marta Bar : Weekdays (Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday) | noon – midnight (last order at 10pm) Weekends (Friday – Saturday) | noon – 1am (last order at 10:30pm) Closed on Mondays

Aptitude Café: Every day (including Mondays) | 9am to 10pm