Louvre Abu Dhabi Beckons

Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world: A universal museum that focuses on shared human stories across civilisations and cultures. Its approach promotes a personal interchange with art, emphasises the role of curiosity and imagination, and encourages a lifelong passion for learning in both adults and children.

The important collection of art- works and artefacts on view originates from all around the world, and spans the entirety of human existence from prehistory to the present day. Members will be able to encounter the museum’s collection in an unparalleled yet very welcoming atmosphere, and experience the cinematic ‘Rain of Light’ effect that filters through the museum’s iconic 180-metre dome.

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum repre- sents an Arab medina (city) with its 23 permanent galleries, temporary exhibition space, Children’s Museum, auditorium, restaurants, retail and a research centre. Surrounded by the sea, visitors can walk the promenades beneath the museum’s stunning dome. They can experience Nouvel’s enchanting ‘rain of light’, inspired by the shadows of overlapping palm trees in the UAE’s precious oases where travellers once crossed paths. Louvre Abu Dhabi was born of an intergovernmental agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France in 2007. The agreement stipulates that the name of Louvre is on loan for a period of 30 years; art works from French institutions for 10 years on a decreasing basis as the permanent collection grows; and the programming of temporary exhibitions for 15 years.