Louvre Abu Dhabi
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Louvre Abu Dhabi - by Nazar Skalatsky on Unsplash
Description
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the largest art museum on the Arabian Peninsula, it is located on Saadiyat Island and underpinned the development of a large cultural complex that includes other museums and several art centers / pavilions. It is allowed to use the "Louvre" name under a bi-lateral agreement between the French and UAE governments. The building was designed by Jean Nouvel and his team in the shape of a floating dome, giving the impression of a museum in the sea. The perforated roof structure allows partial sunlight in, as the date palm fronds in an oasis would. The collections include "ancient archaeological finds, decorative arts, neoclassical sculptures, paintings by modern masters and contemporary installations" with most items being loaned from major French museums and some having been acquired by the institution.
Access & Transport
Address: Jacques Chiract St on Saadiyat Island Public bus route 94 stops at the museum By car from Abu Dhabi main island take the E10 or Corniche Rd/St and from Dubai or Yas Island, take the Saadiyat Island / Yas Island exit on to Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12 and drive along Yas Highway to the Cultural District / Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island.
Instructions & Recommendations
Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult This attraction can easily be combined with some time at one of the beach clubs on Saadiyat Island.
Environmental & Social
The building design achieved a reduction of 30% in energy and water usage compared to similar buildings in the region and a drop of 70% in external heat gains. Construction involved sustainable site selection and development, responsible materials selection but also foreign labours working under less-than-ideal conditions.
Conclusion
We highly recommend a visit to The Louvre Abu Dhabi, even to those with only a passing interest in traditional museums. The setting and architecture alone are worth the trip and most people will actually enjoy many artworks and artefacts among the several sections spanning millennia.
Key positive
A world class building design
Best museum in the UAE (at the time of review)
Key negative
Not well serviced by public transport
Collections can lack a bit of depth
Suitability
Suitable for all ages but children under 12-14 probably won't find the content very engaging. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Monday -
Tuesday10:00 - 18:30
Wednesday10:00 - 18:30
Thursday10:00 - 18:30
Friday10:00 - 20:30
Saturday10:00 - 20:30
Sunday10:00 - 20:30