The floating museum: Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Dome, Louvre Abu Dhabi
Following a 30-year agreement between Abu Dhabi and the French government, UAE experienced the opening of Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi in 2017. Twelve inspiring chapters embedded in the form of 23 galleries, arranged chronologically from prehistoric times to contemporary period include works from artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock. The idea is to create dialogue between a diverse array of cultures during different time-periods throughout history.
There is more to the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula than just exhibitions for visitors to savor; The architectural structure praised for its exquisite design includes a huge web-like dome that allows sunlight to seep through, a metaphor for ‘rays of sunlight passing through date palm fronds in an oasis.’ Also perceived as a tapestry of 7,850 stars, the 7,500 ton dome (same weight as Paris’ Eiffel Tower) is surrounded by clear blue waters, a well-thought contrast to the white-grey structure – making for a perfect Instagram shot.
Apart from the four temporary exhibitions hosted in the venue every year, where pieces are borrowed from 13 partnering museums in France, Louvre Abu Dhabi contains a two-story children’s museum, a restaurant, cinema, and cafe – enough to keep you entertained through the day. Besides, you can expect a complimentary buggy service before and after a tired day to take you to the parking lot.
How to get there? Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, where the museum is located, is a one-hour-fifteen-minute drive from Dubai. As for transportation, visitors can arrive by road or sea. Several tour-organizers operate tours from Dubai that include pickup/drop service from your hotel. Buses also operate in the Abu Dhabi region, specifically route 94.
Entry fee: 60 AED (16.33$)/ Free parking
Timings and facilities:
What else to do in Abu Dhabi? Visit Abu Dhabi’s official website to explore other cultural attractions.
What else to do in UAE?
– Top Five Things To Do In Dubai (UAE)
– 10 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Dubai
– Kayaking in Hatta Water Dam
– Golden Tulip Resort, Dibba, Oman
– Scuba Diving With Al Boom Diving, UAE
– W Lounge Dubai
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