Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ‘rain of light’ © Louvre Abu Dhabi, Photography: Mohamed Somji
Ten years after the original Dhs 4 billion contract was signed, The Louvre Abu Dhabi finally has an opening date. Multiple construction delays have meant that the opening has kept being postponed, but it is now expected to open on 11 November this year.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, tweeted “The UAE boosts its global cultural presence with the opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi. It serves as a cradle for art and culture”
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. 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
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 notable French museums including Musee du Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and Centre Pompidou.