Louvre Abu Dhabi is now open

On Saturday 11 November, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its doors to the public for the first time. The highly anticipated museum opening welcomed thousands of visitors to see the exceptional architecture and the masterpieces displayed throughout the galleries.

Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum on Saadiyat Island that exhibits art and artefacts from ancient times to the present day. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum contains 12 chapters in the galleries, special exhibition spaces, a Children’s Museum, auditorium, restaurants, retail and a research centre. Surrounded by the sea, the buildings are connected by waterfront promenades beneath the museum’s stunning dome.

The museum has developed a rich collection of works originating from throughout human history and around the world, brought together to highlight universal themes and influences. The collection of exceptional artworks and artefacts is unparalleled anywhere in the region. To date, Louvre Abu Dhabi has acquired more than 600 artworks, exhibited alongside 300 works on loan from 13 leading French institutions. Louvre Abu Dhabi was born out of a unique intergovernmental agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France in 2007.

As part of the agreement, Louvre Abu Dhabi has access to expertise and training from 17 French partner institutions, as well as loans from 13 leading French museums for 10 years, and will benefit from special exhibitions organised by these institutions for 15 years.