During your stay in Saadiyat Island, a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must if you’re looking for world-class exhibitions and collections, immersive learning and one-of-a-kind experiences. An unprecedented cultural exchange between the UAE and France, The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017 as a universal museum that focuses on what unites us and showcases the stories of human creativity. More than just a museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is home to a series of exhibitions and collections located within a dome of concrete, water and light. 23 galleries have been designed for visitors to learn actively as they explore through tours and interactive classes. After a journey through different cultures, relax in one of the two café’s, restaurant, bar or rooftop Art Lounge, or gain a unique perspective of this floating dome and kayak around the museum.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a product of architect Jean Nouvel’s vision, designed in the heart of the Cultural District of Abu Dhabi. This eight layer, 7,500-ton dome is surrounded by water and can be reached by land or sea. Discover 55 buildings, amazing walkways and an incredible dome structure compiled of 7,580 stars in varying sizes and angles. This incredible structure floats effortlessly above the water, standing as a powerful symbol of the United Arab Emirates’ ambition and achievement.
The museum is a combination of the UAE’s bold vision of cultural progression and openness with France’s expertise of art and museums. Following a strict protocol for art that enters the museum, pieces are selected based on their historical importance, condition, provenance and curatorial narrative in telling stories of cultural connections. The result is an inspiring range of collections and exhibitions of the highest standard and importance. Separated not by geography but set in chronological order, the impressive collection promotes respect, curiosity, learning and self-reflection.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi focus on the stories of human creativity that transcend individuals cultures or civilisations, times and places. Discover ancient archaeological finds, objects, sculptures, paintings and contemporary installations from all over the globe with collections ranging from ancient worlds to modern and contemporary times. Highlights from the collections include an Astrolabe from 1727 that was used to determine the position of the stars and calculate the time of the day, and an oil painting from the early 1480s named ‘Virgin and Child’. This specific piece of art represents a time of innovation in terms of oil painting.
The museum features various world-class exhibitions to showcase and educate visitors on a variety of time periods. Exhibitions here are hands-on experiences transporting visitors on an interactive experience showcasing iconic masterpieces from these periods. Transport to post-impressionist France and discover iconic work from artists such as Vincent van Gogh or discover 17th century Versailles and experience paintings and decorative arts. With constantly changing and evolving exhibitions, experience a journey unique to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
With 22 galleries and countless collections to explore, choose from a variety of tours to make the most of your museum experience. An express tour ensures you discover all the highlights of the museum’s collections alongside one of the Museum Educators, while a Group Mindful Art Moments tour is a focused tour and workshop within a selected collection of the museum. For those who learn creatively, join a variety of activities to learn as you create. A Drawing at the Museum session lead by an artist ensures an immersive session using various drawing techniques as you sketch a selected piece from the museum. Other ways to learn include groundbreaking talks, outdoor film screenings and live performances of music, dance and poetry.
Discover more than art and history and explore a range of activities. Take advantage of the museum being surrounded by water and take a tour on a kayak. Enjoy the stillness of the water and appreciate the amazing building as you gain a unique perspective. For a more luxurious experience, enjoy the surrounding water on an electric catamaran and gain spectacular views of the iconic architecture.
After all this exploring, relax and refresh at the Aptitude Café. Enjoy irresistible treats and refreshments as you snap stunning pictures with the Louvre Abu Dhabi as your backdrop. For a more elevated experiences, dine at Fouquet and enjoy fine French brasserie dining from Michelin star-winning chef, Pierre Gagnaire. The ultimate outdoor venue, the Art Lounge on the rooftop of the museum is the perfect spot to enjoy light bites and a refreshing beverage while you take in unobstructed views of the Abu Dhabi skyline.
While the Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts an impressive collection of art, a visit to the museum is more than that. A journey through time, exhibitions and collections intertwine with immersive experiences and activities to ensure time spent at the Louvre Abu Dhabi is unlike a visit to any other museum.