Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre was designed as a museum-city by French architect Jean Nouvel, and was constructed below a large silvery dome. The dome structure, which consists of 7,850 stars of distinct sizes and angles, is made up of eight layers – four clad in stainless steel and four in aluminium. The dome is made in such a way to appear to float above the rest of the buildings – this is achieved with the help of four piers, hidden within the museum building. The design and style of the dome is inspired by the cupola feature in Arabian architecture.

This geometric structure, weighing about 7,500 tonnes, creates the ‘Rain of Light’ effect in the museum, as sunlight passes through the perforations in the structure. This is a representation of the way the palm trees of Abu Dhabi catch sunlight and reflect it onto the ground. The dome acts as a canopy to protect the buildings and the visitors from the extreme heat of the sun, and also aims to reduce the energy consumption of each of the buildings.

The museum galleries at the Louvre tell the story of humanity through twelve chapters, starting with an introduction. The artwork on display, ranging from prehistoric works to contemporary art, includes the museum’s collection as well as works on loan from prestigious French museums. These works point to comparisons and influences of various shared themes and ideas across various cultures and time periods.

The museum has a collection of over six hundred masterpieces from all over the world, each with their own significant story to tell. These include Leonardo da Vinci’s “La Belle Ferronnière” (1490), Vincent Van Gogh’s “Self-portrait” (1887), Jacques-Louis David’s “Napoleon Crossing the Alps” (1803), Claude Monet’s “La gare Saint-Lazare” (1877), Osman Hamdi Bey’s “A Young Emir Studying” (1878) and “Portrait of Fayoum, Egypt, Antinoopolis” (225-250 A.D.).

Described as an ‘archipelago out at sea’, visitors can visit any of 23 gallery buildings and also enjoy beautiful views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. The museum includes a number of artworks, masterpieces and artefacts, spanning human life and existence. The Louvre also holds four temporary exhibitions during the year for its visitors, organised by various museum partners.

The Louvre is also home to its very own Children’s Museum, which is spread over two floors, and consists of a number of interactive workshops and exhibitions for the young ones.

One can also visit the Louvre’s restaurant, café and gift shop. The visitors to the museum can use its free Wi-Fi services, available throughout the museum. Cloakrooms, strollers, wheelchairs, lockers and valet parking service are also available. The museum also organizes its own guided tours and general tours for group visits.

The tickets for entry can be purchased online on the website, www.louvreabudhabi.ae, or directly at the ticket counter.

• Adults(22 years and above): AED 63
• Ages 13 to 22 years: AED 31.5
• School & university faculty members: AED 31.5
• UAE military: AED 31.5
• Auditorium or workshop ticket holders: AED 31.5
• Children under 13 years: Free entry

Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Club Members, valid members of International Council of Museums or International Council on Monuments and Sites, disabled visitors accompanied by one companion and journalists are entitled to free entry.

The Louvre is located on the Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, and is part of the Saadiyat Cultural District. One can get here by car, taxi, bus or bike.

By Car: From E-11 Abu Dhabi-Dubai Road: Follow signs for Saadiyat Island or Yas Island exit on to Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12. Continue driving on Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12, and drive through Yas Highway to Cultural District. Follow the signs going to Louvre Abu Dhabi. Take the first exit after the bridge. Free parking is available. Valet parking is available for the price of AED 42. The valet parking services point is located near the drop-off area.

By Bus: Bus number 94: This public bus will drop you off at the stop 'Louvre Abu Dhabi' (Saadiyat Island), which is adjacent to the museum.

By Taxi: The museum has a pick-up/drop-off point located at the main entrance.

By Bike: If you choose to avail the services of BikeShare, you can cycle till the station 'Louvre Abu Dhabi'.