The spectacular architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The famous Paris art museum's new branch in the capital of the United Arab Emirates will finally open to the public. Over 10 years in the making, the Abu Dhabi Louvre's artwork showcases the universal nature of humanity.
An icon of Abu Dhabi
The Louvre museum in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates opens to visitors on November 11. The museum complex features priceless works of art, including pieces on loan from its Parisian namesake and other French museums, as well as regional treasures from numerous civilizations and religions that have flourished throughout history in the Middle East.
An expensive project
In 2007, the governments of France and the UAE agreed upon a 30-year-long partnership leading to the Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi. The branded gallery is estimated to be worth $1.1 billion (€919 million), with the rights to the name alone said to cost some $520 million. The museum is set in Saadiyat Island Cultural District, which aspires to be the world's largest cultural complex.
A decade in the works
The building was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. The main building's silvery dome allows light to flow through it, mimicking the sunlight that streams through palm fronds. The pools of water also liken the cultural complex to a desert oasis. The museum project took around 10 years to complete, and the opening ceremony was pushed back from 2012 due to construction delays.
'See humanity in a new light'
The slogan of the new Louvre highlights the architecture's play with light while simultaneously paying tribute to the museum's stated mission to focus "on what unites us: the stories of human creativity that transcend individual cultures of civilizations, time or places." Along with a permanent collection, four temporary shows per year will showcase exhibits from ancient to current times.
Cultural cooperation or sell out?
With this project, the Louvre joins other top museums like the Guggenheim that have opened international locations. Critics have accused the French museum of "selling out" by prioritizing profit over artistic integrity. Allegations of worker exploitation also dogged construction. However, the project's leaders have argued that the partnership and collection testify to cross-cultural understanding.
A grand opening celebration
A regular priced ticket to enter the museum costs 60 UAE dirham (around $16). The museum is open every day except Mondays. Many items on display will be in Abu Dhabi for the first time, including works by Vincent Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci and Paul Gauguin. The first four opening days will also feature world music stars, dance events, workshops and family activities.