THE LOUVRE IS OPEN TODAY
Xin Zhong has been in Abu Dhabi for almost two years now. For this Chinese lawyer, November 11/11, when Louvre Abu Dhabi opens for public, is one of her most awaited moments since she became a UAE expat.
“I have already bought tickets for my whole family. We have been waiting for this occasion for long,” said Zhong.
Zhong is among the art enthusiasts who has taken the Dhs450 annual Louvre membership that will allow ‘unparalleled access to Louvre Abu Dhabi’s exceptional collections, exhibitions, events and special programmes.
“I have been to the Musee du Louvre in Paris several times, and I have spent many long hours admiring the artefacts. With Louvre Abu Dhabi in my own city, I can see myself going to the museum very often.”
Arab world’s own Louvre museum was officially inaugurated on November 8 in a gala ceremony attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; French President Emmanuel Macron; and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi has evoked unprecedented interest with media outlets from across the world reporting on the museum’s opening.
Zhong said her friends in China are eager to visit the museum that has been in the making for more than a decade. “Many of my friends are planning to fly down to Abu Dhabi in the coming days just to see this masterpiece.”
Abdul Muqsit, an IT professional from UK said Louvre Abu Dhabi’s opening has hogged the limelight across the globe. “There is massive interest in the first Universal Museum in the Arab world. The museum has put Abu Dhabi on the world cultural map.”
Louvre has become the buzz word among the city residents who have watched the museum taking shape on the Saadiyat Island. In what looks like a floating galaxy, the silver-toned dome with perforated Arabesque patterns form a “rain of light” effect, as conceived and designed by Pritzker prizewinning architect, Jean Nouvel.
The museum will display more than 600 valuable artefacts in its 23 galleries, and will symbolise the epitome of human connection and unity. The art pieces will span the end of the third millennium BC, to the Medieval Era, the Renaissance and the Neoclassical period, right through to the contemporary era, thus covering the entirety of human existence.
People’s museum
On November 11, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will transform into a people’s museum when it will throw its doors open to the public. More than 4000 online tickets has been already sold out and officials are expecting a big rush for the 1000 tickets that are up for grabs on the opening day.
Many residents said they are eager to gain access to the museum on Day 1 itself. “I am driving all the way from Sharjah to see the museum on the first day. I think that will be a special experience,” said Sarah Othaib, a university graduate.
“I have stood in the line for hours to see Eiffel tower and Louvre in Paris. Now I can proudly say that I have a museum in my own country,” said Othaib who grew up in the UAE.
Four-day festivities will mark the public opening with an array of entertainment activities including headline acts by International artsits.
The performances taking place during the afternoon and the evening from (Saturday) November 11 to (Tuesday) November 14, will be held in the auditorium under the electrifying dome. A spectacular light show will also take place during the massive four day celebration. Tickets for the headline performances can be purchased for Dh200 on the Louvre Abu Dhabi website, or at the museum.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com
I have been to the Musee du Louvre in Paris several times, and I have spent many long hours admiring the artefacts. With Louvre Abu Dhabi in my own city, I can see myself going to the museum very often.” Xin Zhong,Chinese lawyer