The Louvre Abu Dhabi - Saadiyat Culture District

Explore the stunning Louvre Abu Dhabi and get insights to the world or art and culture right here in Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a joint effort between UAE and France as is the first ever Louvre outside of France.

Location

Situated in the Culture District on Saadiyat Island which will be home to many other noteworthy museums in the future like the Guggenheim, The Sheikh Zayed National Museum and the Maritime Museum the Louvre Abu Dhabi was opened to the public on 8^th November 2017.

Design

The inspirational design is by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi covers 9,200 sq m with four wings and 12 galleries showcasing art from all over the world.

The architecture includes lots of local influence like the Falaj style water system running thru the museum and the huge laced dome takes its inspiration from interlaced palm leaves traditionally used as roofing in material across the UAE.

The huge, 180-metre-wide dome is comprised of eight layers and appears to float above the museum complex. As sunlight filters through the dome’s perforations, it creates a ‘rain of light’ effect in the museum galleries below.

What to see

The museum has a permanent collection of over 6,000 artifacts and regularly has new and exciting displays on loan from various museums across the world making it an interesting place to visit over and over again.

The displays are specially chosen as to bridge the gap between the east and the west keeping Abu Dhabi’s position straddling the divide so you will see paintings form the European masters along with historic artefacts from ancient China, India, Iran Egypt and the Arab region. The galleries are arranged by time period and theme lowing into each other giving visitors a connection to follow thru the journey.

There is a Children’s Museum which for now is closed but there are virtual tours on offer.

The Experience Team was there on an exceptionally foggy day which added an entire new dimension to the place.

Kayaking

The Museum also offers Kayaking in the evenings which is managed by Sea Hawk Water Sports & Adventures starting from AED 126.

This is a must do as it gives you a unique perspective of the museum which is surrounded by water on most sides.

Tickets

Tickets can be bought online which is highly recommended or at the venue at a cost of AED 60 per person, children aged 12 and below are free.

The age group 13 to 22 and students and teachers from UAE institutions get half price tickets and disabled are given free access with one attendant.

You can rent an iPad and headphones for additional information at additional cost of AED 20.

Dining

The Louvre has several dining options from classic French Fine Dining at Fouquet’s to the Museum Café that has Grab and Go options, the Aptitude Café is closed for now.