The story of all humanity will unfold here
abu dhabi — In February 2006, a high-powered delegation from France, led by the culture minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres, arrived in the UAE. The group, which also included senior officials from the French national museums and advisors, had flown here to set out a framework for the creation of a world class museum in Abu Dhabi — the Louvre Abu Dhabi, with the support and guidance of one the world’s most famous institutions.
The proposed location was a sandy island called Saadiyat, “the island of happiness”, the northern tip of which lay just a few hundred metres from the Abu Dhabi port.
The museum also marks great change for the Arab world and beyond. In an age threatened by conflict and intolerance, it was conceived as a celebration of the region’s common heritage and values; a bridge between the East and the West.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a new cultural beacon, bringing different cultures together to shine fresh light on humanity’s shared stories. Inspired by the architecture and traditions of the UAE, international architect Jean Nouvel designed a remarkable home for Louvre Abu Dhabi. Nouvel has subordinated concrete and steel, glass and stone, and even the Gulf ’s corrosive waters, to the deft control of the gentle play of light in the Louvre Abu Dhabi building.
The museum’s displays consist of more than 600 artworks. Ranging from prehistorical objects to contemporary pieces, the works will be exhibited alongside approximately 300 items currently on loan from 13 French institutions for the next 10 years.
Paris’s original Louvre has agreed to loan its name to the new Abu Dhabi museum for the next 30 years and six months.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s museum galleries tell the story of the human race in 12 inspiring chapters. Each focuses on shared themes and ideas that reveal common connections throughout humanity. The art on show comes from the museum’s collection alongside many masterpieces on loan from some of the most famous French museums.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi will host four temporary exhibitions per year. As part of the unique collaboration between Abu Dhabi and France. These temporary exhibitions will follow the same thematic approach as the permanent collections in the museum galleries.
ismail@khaleejtimes.com