Louvre Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
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Duration:
3h
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The construction of the futuristic museum took almost 10 years and cost 1.2 billion EUR. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a fascinating complex that literally floats on the open sea.
The futuristic museum resembles a flying saucer. The basic element is a gigantic dome that is built over the gallery pavilions anchored on the open sea. Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island, on the outskirts of the otherwise busy capital of the Emirates. The museum consists of 23 themed galleries that tell the story of humanity from prehistoric times through the first settlements, great empires, the Middle Ages and contemporary modern art.
About the project
The Louvre Abu Dhabi museum was established as an institution by decree of the French government in 2007. The key role in establishing cooperation between the Louvre museum in Paris and state institutions in Abu Dhabi was played by the then president Jacques Chirac, who significantly advocated for deeper cultural cooperation between both countries.
The architect and spiritual father of the museum is the famous Frenchman Jean Nouvel. He was inspired by traditional coastal towns of the emirates "madinats". He placed a minimalist "madinat" in the form of twelve galleries under a huge steel dome "dome" that seems to float above the sea. The dome roof is patterned and on a clear day lets through irregular rays of light that create random patterns. He called this effect "Rain of Light" and it is one of the greatest attractions of the entire complex.
The architect and spiritual father of the museum is the famous Frenchman Jean Nouvel. He was inspired by traditional coastal towns of the emirates "madinats". He placed a minimalist "madinat" in the form of twelve galleries under a huge steel dome "dome" that seems to float above the sea. The dome roof is patterned and on a clear day lets through irregular rays of light that create random patterns. He called this effect "Rain of Light" and it is one of the greatest attractions of the entire complex.
About the attraction
The museum itself tells a magnificent story of humanity. The galleries are thematically divided from prehistoric times, through first settlements, great empires, the Middle Ages, first religions, seafaring, international trade, European civilizations to contemporary modern art.
In twelve galleries you'll find 620 exhibits of immense cultural value. Approximately 300 works are borrowed from thirteen of the most famous French museums. Throughout the year, several works will rotate between Paris and Abu Dhabi in 6-month cycles. 235 works come from the own collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.
Among the exhibits of priceless value must not be missing the portrait by da Vinci "La Belle Ferronniere" or paintings by authors such as Van Gogh, Degas, Monet or Picasso. Art lovers can also look forward to the portrait of Napoleon the Great by painter Jacques-Louis David
In twelve galleries you'll find 620 exhibits of immense cultural value. Approximately 300 works are borrowed from thirteen of the most famous French museums. Throughout the year, several works will rotate between Paris and Abu Dhabi in 6-month cycles. 235 works come from the own collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.
Among the exhibits of priceless value must not be missing the portrait by da Vinci "La Belle Ferronniere" or paintings by authors such as Van Gogh, Degas, Monet or Picasso. Art lovers can also look forward to the portrait of Napoleon the Great by painter Jacques-Louis David
Facts
- The total implementation of the Louvre museum project cost 1,200,000,000 EUR.
- The Abu Dhabi government paid 450 million EUR for the "Louvre" brand and 30-year license.
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi museum is currently home to 620 artifacts and exhibits of various periods and character. Of these, more than 300+ works are borrowed from thirteen French museums. About 235 works come from the own collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first of three museums planned for the Culture District quarter on Saadiyat Island. In the coming years, institutions such as a branch of the famous museum of modern and contemporary art Guggenheim, the new national museum of the Emirates, Zayed Museum and the new opera building by architect Zaha Hadid will be added.
