Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore the history and art of the world in one place? If so, then you should visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the world’s first universal museum that showcases the diversity and richness of human cultures. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is not just a museum, but a cultural landmark that bridges the gap between the East and the West, the past and the present, and the local and the global.
In this guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about this amazing museum, from how to reach it, when to visit it, what to see there, and how to book tickets and tours for it. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to inspire and delight you at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
What to See at the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history and art. The museum has a stunning architecture, a remarkable collection, a fascinating exhibition, and a superb facility that will make your visit unforgettable. Here are some of the main highlights and attractions of the museum:
Architecture
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a masterpiece of architecture, designed by the renowned French architect Jean Nouvel. The museum consists of 55 white buildings that resemble a traditional Arab medina, surrounded by water and connected by walkways. The most striking feature of the museum is the dome, a gigantic metal structure that covers the museum like a lace veil. The dome is made of 7,850 stars of different sizes and angles, that create a stunning effect of light and shadow, known as the rain of light. The dome also regulates the temperature and humidity of the museum, creating a pleasant and sustainable environment. The dome is 180 meters in diameter, 40 meters in height, and weighs 7,500 tons.
Collection
The Louvre Abu Dhabi has a unique and diverse collection of artworks and artifacts that span the history and geography of the world. The collection consists of more than 600 pieces, of which 300 are on loan from 13 French museums, including the Louvre in Paris. The collection is displayed in 12 galleries, that are arranged chronologically and thematically, from prehistory to the present day. The collection showcases the similarities and differences of human cultures, and the influences and exchanges that shaped them. Some of the highlights of the collection are:
A Bactrian princess from Central Asia, dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, that shows the sophistication and elegance of ancient civilizations.
A gold bracelet with a lion’s head from Iran, dating back to the 6th century BCE, that shows the power and prestige of the Achaemenid Empire.
A statue of Gudea, the ruler of Lagash in Mesopotamia, dating back to the 21st century BCE, that shows the devotion and piety of the ancient rulers.
A fresco of Sappho from Pompeii, dating back to the 1st century CE, that shows the beauty and poetry of the ancient Greeks.
A portrait of Alexander the Great from Egypt, dating back to the 2nd century CE, that shows the charisma and conquest of the Macedonian king.
A standing Bodhisattva from Pakistan, dating back to the 3rd century CE, that shows the grace and compassion of the Buddhist art.
A winged dragon from China, dating back to the 15th century CE, that shows the creativity and symbolism of the Chinese art.
A Madonna and Child by Giovanni Bellini, dating back to the 15th century CE, that shows the realism and emotion of the Renaissance art.
A Young Emir Studying by Osman Hamdi Bey, dating back to the 19th century CE, that shows the curiosity and culture of the Ottoman art.
A Fountain of Light by Ai Weiwei, dating back to the 21st century CE, that shows the innovation and critique of the contemporary art.
Exhibitions
The Louvre Abu Dhabi also hosts temporary exhibitions that complement and enrich the permanent collection. The exhibitions are curated by experts and feature works from various museums and institutions around the world. The exhibitions cover a wide range of topics and periods, such as ancient civilizations, modern art, photography, fashion, and more. Some of the past and current exhibitions are:
Abstraction and Calligraphy: Towards a Universal Language: An exhibition that explores the relationship between abstract art and calligraphy, and how they express the universal concepts of form, rhythm, and movement. The exhibition features works by artists such as Paul Klee, Wassily Kandinsky, Cy Twombly, and Shirin Neshat.
Cosmographies: An exhibition that examines the human fascination with the cosmos, and how it inspired various forms of art and science. The exhibition features works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Albrecht Dürer, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso.
10,000 Years of Luxury: An exhibition that traces the history and evolution of luxury, and how it reflects the values and aspirations of different cultures and times. The exhibition features works by artists such as Coco Chanel, Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, and Jeff Koons.
How to Reach the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island, a natural island that is home to some of the most prestigious cultural and leisure attractions in Abu Dhabi. You can easily reach the museum by various modes of transportation, such as:
By car: You can drive to the museum by following the signs for Saadiyat Island from the Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12). There is a free parking lot available at the museum.
By bus: You can take the public bus number 94 from Abu Dhabi city center, which stops at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The bus fare is 2 AED per ride, and the journey takes about 25 minutes.
By taxi: You can hail a taxi from anywhere in Abu Dhabi, and ask the driver to take you to the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The taxi fare is around 50 AED, and the journey takes about 20 minutes.
By boat: You can also enjoy a scenic boat ride from the Abu Dhabi Corniche to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which operates daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The boat fare is 60 AED per person, and the journey takes about 30 minutes.
The exact address of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The GPS coordinates are: 24.5339° N, 54.4100° E.
When to Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The best time to visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi depends on your preferences and availability. However, some factors to consider are:
Weather: The weather in Abu Dhabi is generally hot and sunny throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 42°C. The coolest months are from November to March, while the hottest months are from June to September. The museum is air-conditioned and comfortable, but you may want to avoid the outdoor areas during the peak summer heat.
Crowd: The museum is usually busy on weekends (Friday and Saturday) and public holidays, when locals and tourists flock to the island. The museum is less crowded on weekdays (Sunday to Thursday) and early mornings or late afternoons, when you can enjoy a more peaceful and relaxed visit.
Events: The museum hosts various events and activities throughout the year, such as workshops, lectures, concerts, and festivals, that enhance the visitor experience and showcase the museum’s themes and collections. You can check the museum’s website or social media for the latest updates and schedules of the events.
The opening hours of the Louvre Abu Dhabi are:
Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 am to 8 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 10 pm
Monday: Closed
The museum is also closed on some Islamic holidays, such as Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha. You can check the museum’s website or call the museum for the exact dates of the holidays.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must-visit attraction for anyone who loves history and art. The museum is not just a museum, but a cultural landmark that bridges the gap between the East and the West, the past and the present, and the local and the global. The museum has a stunning architecture, a remarkable collection, a fascinating exhibition, and a superb facility that will make your visit unforgettable. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or a curious traveler, you will find something to inspire and delight you at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and tours now, and get ready to embark on a journey of discovery and wonder at the world’s first universal museum.
