Louvre Abu Dhabi, Art museum on Saadiyat Island, United Arab Emirates
The Louvre Abu Dhabi spans 24,000 square meters with a geometric dome structure filtering natural light through intricate patterns onto the white buildings below.
After agreements between France and UAE in March 2007, construction began in 2009, leading to the museum's official inauguration on November 8, 2017.
The museum exhibits connect civilizations through 8,000 square meters of galleries displaying artifacts from prehistoric times to contemporary artworks from global cultures.
The museum welcomes visitors Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM, with guided tours available in multiple languages throughout the day.
The museum houses Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi, which was acquired for the highest price ever paid for an artwork at public auction.
Location: Abu Dhabi
Inception: March 7, 2007
Architects: Jean Nouvel
Official opening: November 8, 2017
Operator: Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:30
Phone: +971600565566
Email: contact@louvreabudhabi.ae
Website: https://louvreabudhabi.ae
GPS coordinates: 24.53300,54.40001
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:15
The United Arab Emirates feature an architectural landscape where modern structures coexist with historical remnants. In Dubai, the Burj Khalifa rises to 828 meters and is the tallest skyscraper in the world, while the artificial island of Palm Jumeirah demonstrates the country’s coastal engineering skills. In Abu Dhabi, the five Etihad Towers line the waterfront, and the Qasr Al Hosn, built in the 18th century, is the capital’s oldest stone building. These modern achievements sit on land that also preserves ancient traces, such as the tombs of Jebel Hafeet carved into the rock more than 5,000 years ago. Cultural and religious buildings round out this overview. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque covers over 22,000 square meters and invites visitors to explore its architecture and prayer halls. The Louvre Abu Dhabi displays international collections beneath a metal dome designed by Jean Nouvel, creating distinctive light effects inside. In Ajman, the local museum is housed in a restored 18th-century fortress, while the Dubai Opera takes the shape of a dhow, a traditional regional boat. These sites offer varied perspectives on the architectural development of the Emirates and merit thorough exploration.
The United Arab Emirates feature contemporary architectural achievements and monuments that reflect their heritage. Over a few decades, the country has developed infrastructures attracting millions of visitors: glass and steel towers redefining city skylines, international museums showcasing collections from various eras, custom-made islands spread across the Persian Gulf. Alongside these recent constructions, stone forts and mosques serve as reminders of the region's history and traditions.
Jean Nouvel is among the most recognized French architects of our time. His work spans five continents, including museums, office towers, concert halls, and residential complexes. Each project demonstrates his ability to combine technical innovation with respect for the local context, whether through material choices, light manipulation, or integration into the existing urban fabric. Among his major works, the Louvre Abu Dhabi features a perforated dome that creates a shower of light, while the Glòries Tower in Barcelona rises with its cylindrical shape and colorful facades. In Paris, the Arab World Institute has a façade equipped with mechanical diaphragms inspired by Islamic art, and the Philharmonie updates concert hall architecture with its silver volumes. Beyond Europe and the Middle East, his projects extend to Sydney with One Central Park and its hanging gardens, or Fort Worth with a museum surrounded by water basins. These buildings provide the opportunity to explore architecture that interacts with its environment and challenges conventions. Each visit allows appreciation of how architectural creativity can transform our relationship with urban and cultural spaces.
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