The man behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI — The recipient of the prestigious Pritzker Prize and mastermind behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi, who has created what is set to be the Middle East’s most visited museum, has designed the iconic monument on both land and sea, embodying harmony, calmness and contemplation. Jean Nouvel told Khaleej

Times about the inspiration behind the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which features his signature style in the the magnificent play of light that naturally illuminates the museum. “I researched and researched a lot. Architecture is an art, you have to have the motivation to assemble what will be a gift of a lifetime, because a building like this is not here for a few years but centuries. Thus, you want to create the best.”

“I tried to imagine something that links to the UAE; I tried to create a micro-climate with the cupola and a neighbourhood underneath — all in one building — and tried to imagine the play of light and shadow.” The rain of light will not be missed by visitors, as it will reach just about every corner of the museum.

He said the museum, which took almost 10 years to complete, has become part of himself, and will remain close to his heart. “A museum like this with holds the dialogue of cilvilisations is very important for Abu Dhabi. It’s also a symbolic part of the cultural district it’s located in, set to become a destination it itself.”

The new Louvre is crucial not only for the UAE’s future, but the world’s as well.

Among Nouvel’s principal buildings are the Arab World Institute, the Cartier Foundation and the Quai Branly Museum in Paris, the Lucerne Cultural and Congress Center, the extension of the Queen Sophia Museum in Madrid, the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis and the Philharmonic Concert Halls in Copenhagen and Paris.