Louvre Abu Dhabi – the first of its kind
The origins of Louvre Abu Dhabi date back to 2007, when France and the United Arab Emirates came together to develop a new kind of cultural institution. The result is a museum rooted in universal human values, the first of its kind in the region. Louvre Abu Dhabi represents the dynamic nature of the contemporary Arab world, while celebrating the region’s vibrant multicultural heritage. With support and contributions from Agence France-Muséums, gathering seventeen of France’s most renowned cultural institutions, Louvre Abu Dhabi represents a unique opportunity to combine the UAE’s bold vision of cultural progression and openness with France’s expertise in the world of art and museums.
The question is; what does it mean to be ‘universal’? For Louvre Abu Dhabi, it means focusing on what unites us as mankind. The stories of human creativity that transcend individual cultures or civilisations., times or places. This ethos guides the museum in everything it does: from its foundation as a collaboration between two cultures to the dazzling architecture that combines French design with Arabic heritage.
Louvre Abu Dhabi champions the cultural achievements of mankind, from prehistory to the present day. The different galleries are not divided in chronological order and the aim is to induce respect, curiosity, learning and self-reflection.
Rain of light
International architect Jean Nouvel is one of the most significant architects of the last half-century. Inspired by the architecture and traditions of the United Arab Emirates, Nouvel has conceived a remarkable home for Louvre Abu Dhabi. This extraordinary architectural feat is also a powerful symbol of the nation’s vision and achievements. A silvery dome is the visual center piece and weighs 7.500 metric tonnes. As the sun passes above, its light filters through the perforations in the dome to create an inspiring effect within the museum, known as the ‘rain of light’. This ode to nature and the elements takes its inspiration from the palm trees of Abu Dhabi. Their leaves catch the bright sunlight from above to dapple and soften its projection onto the ground. Just like wandering the narrow streets of an Arabian medina, visitors can explore 55 different buildings. 23 of these buildings are devoted to galleries, which were inspired by the low-lying homes of the local region.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
