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Skip the ticket queue with priority access and discover over 35,000 artworks from around the globe, including pieces by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Jackson Pollock.
Unlike other Louvre branches, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was created through a 30-year partnership between France and the UAE, enabling exhibitions and loans from 17 French museums.
The museum’s floating dome is supported by four hidden piers, each 10 meters wide and extending 30 meters below sea level, supporting its intricate lattice design.
The dome’s geometric design doubles as a giant mashrabiya, filtering sunlight through 8,000 metallic stars to create the ever-changing “Rain of Light” across the galleries.
If you are looking for a rich cultural experience, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, France’s largest cultural project abroad, is the perfect place for you.
Featuring masterpieces like da Vinci's 'A Portrait of an Unknown Lady' and Monet's 'La Gare Saint-Lazare', it offers an unforgettable experience for art enthusiasts. Additionally, the museum houses unique historical treasures such as the Ayoucha, the first-ever photograph of a veiled Muslim woman, and presents special exhibitions like the Cartier museum, exploring the influence of Islamic art on Cartier's designs.
Read on to know more about the collections, the exhibits that shouldn't be missed, and other information that will make your time here unforgettable.
In March 2007, the idea of Louvre Abu Dhabi emerged from a partnership between the UAE and France, aiming to establish a universal museum.
The Concept Design phase of the Louvre Abu Dhabi project occurred between 2006 and 2007, succeeded by the Design Development phases from 2007 to 2012. Subsequently, the construction of the museum spanned from 2013 to 2017.
This result of the collaboration was established on Saadiyat Island, blending the UAE's forward-looking cultural vision with France's artistic heritage.
The Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on November 11, 2017.
Renowned Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Jean Nouvel, designed the architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Nouvel is a renowned French architect known for his innovative and contemporary architectural designs. Apart from the Louvre Museum, some of Nouvel’s other notable projects include the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, the Torre Glòries (formerly known as Torre Agbar) in Barcelona, and the Philharmonie de Paris.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is considered one of Jean Nouvel's most iconic works, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend architectural innovation with cultural significance. The museum's distinctive design features a large dome that appears to float above the complex, filtering sunlight to create a mesmerizing "rain of light" effect within the galleries.
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Skip the ticket queue with priority access and discover over 35,000 artworks from around the globe, including pieces by famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Claude Monet, and Jackson Pollock.
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Enjoy the serene experience of kayaking through the tranquil waters of the Arabian Sea with the guidance of our knowledgeable staff, learning fascinating facts about the museum's history and Jean Nouvel's groundbreaking design.
In Gallery 1, the First Villages Collection gives us a glimpse into this civilization where the earliest communities domesticated animals. Spanning from Africa to Central America, to China, this collection boasts artefacts that date back to 3500 BCE, including Central American figurines, Japanese cookware, and flint weapons that go back to 500,000 BCE.
Gallery 2 explores the rise of ancient civilisations through majestic statues like Ramesses II and discovers the divine symbolism of rulers in Mesopotamia. Dive into the afterlife with vibrant sarcophagi and unearth treasures showcasing ancient trade routes.
From the head of the Roman Emperor to a ritual ceremonial vase from China believed to be used for magic dating back to 475 BCE, discover artefacts from the Greek, Roman, Persian, and Han Empires in Gallery 3.
In Gallery 4, you will discover scriptures and sculptures representing Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, and tribal traditions. Admire treasures like the Maitreya Buddha from Nepal, the Nataraja from Tamil Nadu, and the ancestral figure from the Dogon tribe.
Kazuo Shiraga
Japan
1960
Location: Gallery 11
Kazuo Shiraga (1924–2008) viewed art as a physical struggle, embodying action and energy. This painting was done by the artist's feet on a canvas that was laid on the ground.
Address: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
View on maps.
By bus: Abu Dhabi City Bus 94 will directly drop you at the Museum's entrance and runs between Al Rawdah, Al Majd St / Wahat Al Karamah and Al Saadiyat, Jacques Chirac St / Mamsha Al Saadiyat
By car: From Dubai, take E11, swap to E12 at the Saadiyat Island exit, and follow Yas Hwy signs to the Cultural District/Louvre. Free parking with over 1,000 spaces available. For people opting for a taxi, there is a drop-off point at the entrance of the museum.
By water taxi: You can take the water taxi service that departs from Marsa Mina, Abu Dhabi Port's Cruise Terminal, to reach Louvre Abu Dhabi. You can book the tickets via their online ticketing system.
Cultural Express from Dubai to Abu Dhabi: The Cultural Express offers a complimentary transportation service from Dubai to the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi. It runs everyday of the week between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
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The Louvre Abu Dhabi is situated in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. The museum can be reached by bus, car, taxi and even the shuttle busses.
Louvre Abu Dhabi, touted as the cultural beacon of the Arab world, is home to some of the world's most prominent art and artefacts. The Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a unique cultural experience that combines world-class art, architecture, and education, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
Visitors to the Louvre Abu Dhabi have the opportunity to see ancient artefacts from Mesopotamia and Egypt, classical sculptures from Greece and Rome, and Islamic art. The museum also has a diverse collection that provides a journey like never before.
Tickets can be bought online. Each ticket costs 63 AED for adults over 18 years of age. Entry is free for minors under the age of 18 and UAE Senior Citizens and residents who are over the age of 60.
Journalists, art club members, youth and teacher pass holders, People of Determination, and ICOM/ICOMOS Card Holders are also eligible for free entry.
While it's not always necessary to purchase tickets in advance, it's recommended, especially during peak seasons or for special exhibitions, to ensure entry at your preferred date and time. You can purchase tickets online to skip the queue.
Yes, tickets for the Louvre Abu Dhabi may be for specific entry times, especially during busy periods. This helps manage crowd flow and ensures a pleasant experience for visitors.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi provides various guided tours for patrons. They include Express Tours, Group Express Tours, Tours for Schools and universities, and a Group Mindful Art Tour that allows you to explore select pieces of art in the museum.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed and built by renowned architect Jean Nouvel. The museum is a collaboration between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France, with artworks loaned from numerous French museums, including the Louvre, as well as from other institutions around the world.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi officially opened to the public on November 11, 2017. This cultural landmark, also recognized as a universal Museum is located in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi features a diverse collection of artworks and artefacts from various civilizations, including ancient artefacts, sculptures, paintings, and manuscripts. It includes long-term loans from prestigious institutions like the Louvre in Paris and hosts temporary exhibitions.
The collections include statues from Egypt, paintings from 13th and 14th-century Europe, religious texts, and more.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is open from 10 AM to midnight from Tuesdays to Sundays. The galleries close at 6:30 on weekdays and 8:30 pm from Fridays to Sundays.
The best time to visit the Louvre is during the week, in the mornings immediately after it opens to escape the crowd.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is wheelchair friendly. The museum has been specifically designed to be easily accessible to all. Wheelchairs and strollers are available for visitors. Guide dogs are also welcome.
There are restaurants and cafes available for visitors in the Louvre Abu Dhabi. These include the Museum Cafe, Art Lounge, Fouquets Abu Dhabi, and the Marta Bar.
Photography is permitted in most areas of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. However, flash photography is not allowed in most places and photography as a whole is not allowed near certain exhibits.