Louvre Abu Dhabi
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The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a satellite museum to the Musée Louvre in Paris and is one of the United Arab Emirates’ first global museums. The museum features 12 galleries of art from all over the world, some of which dates back millennia, plus temporary exhibits, performance art events, and talks from experts. Tours are highly recommended and spaces can sell out, so book in advance to make sure you secure your spot.
By Miriam Dewam
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Tickets
Louvre Abu Dhabi: Skip The Line Ticket
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Abu Dhabi: Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum General Admission Ticket
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Louvre Abu Dhabi Skip-the-Line Tickets with Kids Go Free Offer
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Skip-the-line tickets for Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
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Guided Tours
From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque & Louvre Museum Full-Day
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Day Trip from Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi
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Kayaking in the Louvre Abu Dhabi
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From Dubai: Abu Dhabi City Tour with Louvre Museum & Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
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8 tips for visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi
One of the many exhibition rooms of the Louvre Abu Dhabi | Photo: Unsplash: Zalfa Imani
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Take it slowlyEven though you could visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi in just two hours, you shouldn't rush. On the one hand, you would have to miss out on some of the treasures in the exhibition rooms, and on the other hand, you would not be able to take in the architecture the building has to offer. Therefore, plan a longer visit and enjoy a snack or coffee on the museum grounds at the end! Since it can get quite chilly in the exhibition rooms, you should take a thin jacket with you.
The Exterior of the Louvre Abu Dhabi | Photo: Unsplash, Agnieszka Kowalczyk
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Combine the highlightsIf you haven't had enough of amazing architecture, you should visit the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Sheikh Zayid Mosque or also known among locals as Grand Mosque). It is the largest mosque in the UAE and the eighth largest in the world which opened in 2007. The visit to the Louvre and the mosque can be easily combined in a single day trip.
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Drawing courses at the LouvreTwo-hour drawing classes, called "Drawing at the Museum," are offered on Wednesdays for ages 18 and up, which always start at 4:30 pm. A 30-minute presentation of the artwork is followed by an hour and a half of sketching as well as drawing skills. Participants are asked to bring a sketchbook and pens or tablet. Since classes are limited to 20 participants they tend to sell out quickly, therefore you should book your ticket in advance. Please note that you will need a discounted ticket in addition to your Drawing at the Museum ticket.
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Draw without guidelinesHowever, if you'd rather discover art on your own and draw at your own pace, you can! From Tuesday to Sunday you can draw without restrictions from 1pm to 6:30pm at your leisure, without having to purchase an additional Drawing at the Museum ticket!
Entrance from the promenade to the Louvre Abu Dhabi | Photo: Flickr, Drunkar - CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
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Listen live music on siteDuring the winter months, from November to April, when the daytime temperature is around 27 degrees, free open-air performances are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12 to 3 pm. Musical performances take place both under the dome and along the promenade.
Arabian Sea View | Photo: Unsplash, Olivier Chatel
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Experience the Louvre from the sea sideBored of regular architectural tours? Get to know the Louvre Abu Dhabi from a new perspective and learn more about the innovative design of the building. The Arabian Sea tour in a single kayak, or as a family in a 2-man kayak, takes about an hour and can be enjoyed by ages six and up. Tours run Tuesday through Sunday at 6:00, 8:00, 15:30, 17:00 and 19:00. The number of participants is limited to 25, and the tour must be booked in advance. Don't forget to bring appropriate clothing, changing rooms are available for use on site. Please note that the ride for children up to the age of 12 must be accompanied by a supervisor on the ride.
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Learn more about the artworksThe Louvre Abu Dhabi offers 45-minute museum tours from Tuesday to Sunday for ages 18 and up to explore the highlights of the museum. The Individual Express Tour is offered once a day at 12 pm. The Group Express Tour takes place every two hours beginning at 10:30 am and can accommodate up to 25 people. At 10:30 am as well as 4:30 pm, the Group Mindful Art Moments Tour for up to 25 people starts and also includes a workshop. Tours must be booked in advance online.
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Use the free audio guideThe multimedia guide is offered as a free app for mobile devices and is available in German, English, French, Arabic, Hindi, Mandarin and Russian. For guests with hearing or visual impairments, special content is available upon request at the multimedia guide desk.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi on the waterside | Photo: Unsplash, Sudhith Xavier
The Louvre Abu Dhabi: Fine Art in the Desert
After ten years of planning and construction, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has been able to bridge the gap between Oriental and Occidental art since its opening in November 2017. On an area of 258333 ft² (24,000 m²), works of art are exhibited according to the philosophy "See Humanity in a New Light". Yet the Louvre Abu Dhabi is more than just a museum.The island
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a part of one of the largest projects in the world: the Saadiyat Island. It is also known as Culture Island, where the Zayed National Museum (Arab culture) and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (contemporary art) are expected to be completed by 2025. The island was partially artificially filled and has since fulfilled recreational, residential and commercial functions and is home to numerous golf clubs as well as luxurious hotels. The island's cultural district is home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi as well as the UAE Pavilion and Manarat Al Saadiyat facilities.
The museum
The Louvre Abu Dhabi has both an outdoor and an indoor area and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea. The blocks set create courtyards and passages in the outdoor area that lead to the water. This means that the Louvre can also be reached by boat. Inside, more than 64500 ft² (6000 m²) are available for permanent exhibitions and about another 21500 ft (2000 m²) for temporary exhibitions. The Louvre Abu Dhabi focuses on the stories of human creativity that transcend individual cultures or civilizations, times or places. The museum's growing collection includes significant works of art and artifacts from across the world's human history, such as archaeological finds, decorative arts, neoclassical sculptures, modern master paintings, and modern installations.
The passage under the dome | Photo: Unsplash, Agnieszka Kowalczyk
More than just a museum
Architect Jean Nouvel is the creative mind behind the unique construction, which combines modern architecture with Arabic features. Through 55 white blocks of various sizes, a small city of its own is created, which reminds of old towns in the Arab region. The highlight of this building is a dome with a diameter of 178 m (584 ft), which is equal to the size of five soccer fields. In terms of weight, the construction also weighs quite a bit: 7500 tons, which is almost as much as the Eiffel Tower! A visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi is therefore definitely not only for art enthusiasts.
The unique structure of the dome | Photo: Unsplash, Dmitry Novikov
The highlight
The dome of the Louvre consists of a multi-layered construction formed by 7850 metal stars and was created by the Viennese construction company Waagner-Biro. Light streams softly through the construction even inside the museum, creating enchanting plays of light. The construction fulfills several functions: on the outside it provides shade and inside it ensures an ideal microclimate to protect the exhibits suitably.
The governments of the United Arab Emirates and France formed a collaboration in which 17 renowned cultural institutions of France, the Agence France-Muséums, took both a supportive and pioneering stance. They participated in the scientific conception of the museum and provided the Louvre Abu Dhabi with 300 works of art and their curators for the first ten years. They also support the Arab Louvre in building its own art collection.
The name Louvre does not come from somewhere
The construction of the most visited museum in the Arab world consumed 580 million euros. In addition, 400 million euros were paid to France in order to be able to use the name "Louvre" in the first place - these naming rights are also only secured for 30 years. About 600 million euros were spent on artistic loans and expertise. In total, the Louvre Abu Dhabi ended up costing 1.5 billion euros.
One of the many exhibits | Photo: Flickr, Jeremy Thompson - CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
The diverse structure
The museum covers a wide range of eras, from art dating back to the early history of the human species, to the time of the great empires and civilizations, from world religions up to the modern age and the present day. These include works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Jacques-Louis David, Vincent van Gogh, Manet, Monet and Piet Mondrian. The artworks are arranged according to the philosophy - The galleries in the museum are arranged chronologically, taking into account civilization, trade and religion. This way, different schools from the different parts of the world, existing in parallel, can be admired at the same time as differences can be made out.
Signpost in the Louvre | Photo: Flickr, Drunkar - CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
A museum also for children
In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has also created a dedicated building for children between the ages of six and twelve. On three floors, the youngest visitors can visit temporary as well as interactive exhibitions. At the moment, everything centers around emotions, including the activities: playing, listening, drawing and acting. Children can visit the museum for free, but only under the supervision of an adult, so a regular Louvre ticket must be purchased for the adult accompanying them.
Culinary delicacies
There are two cafes, a lounge and a restaurant on the Louvre Abud Dhabi museum site, which are quite pricey. The Museum Café offers quickly prepared to-go snacks, delicious dishes and a children's menu from 10 am. Above the Museum Café is the Art Lounge, which is accessible from 2 pm. From this rooftop bar, one can enjoy the view of the Abu Dhabi skyline while munching on various snacks and sipping cocktails. With a boisterous atmosphere, cocktails and appetizers can be consumed at Marta Bar from noon onwards, access to Marta Bar is only available for guests aged 21+. Fouquet's Abu Dhabi is the Louvre's most elegant restaurant, serving upscale French cuisine and is one of Fouquet's restaurants recognized worldwide. Please note that Marta Bar and Fouquet's have a casual-chic dress code; in the evening, you should definitely avoid wearing a T-shirt and shorts. The Aptitude Café serves breakfast, hot food and delicious pastries with coffee starting at 9 am on the promenade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Louvre Abu Dhabi barrier-free accessible?
This sight is barrier-free accessible. It is also possible to borrow a wheelchair or a stroller free of charge. Read more.
Are there any parking facilities?
The museum offers paid parking at a cost of AED 42, accessible through Gate 1. Visitors of the Fouquet can use the parking service through Gate 2. There is also a free golf cart service along the promenade that runs between the bus stop, the parking lots and the Louvre. Read more.
Is it allowed to take food inside the Louvre?
Before entering the museum, bag checks will be carried out. It is not allowed to bring food purchased outside the museum. Read more.
Are there any dining options at the Louvre Abu Dhabi?
The museum site has two cafes, a lounge, and an upscale restaurant. These include the Museum Café, Marta Bar (21+), Art Lounge, and Fouquet's Abu Dhabi. In addition, there is the Aptitude Café along the promenade. Please note that a casual-chic dress code applies at Marta Bar and Fouquet. Read more.
Is it allowed to carry bags and backpacks during the visit?
Large bags and backpacks exceeding the dimensions of 55 x 38 x 20 cm (22 x 15 x 8 inch) and other large items are prohibited in the museum. Smaller handbags and backpacks, with the exception of small ladies' handbags, may not be taken into the exhibition rooms and must be left in the checkroom. Read more.
Is there a Museum shop?
The museum store "The Boutique" offers a variety of unique as well as high quality accessories, souvenirs and books that reflect the works exhibited at the Louvre. Read more.
Are dogs inside this museum allowed?
No, animals aren’t allowed on the Museum premises. An exception is made for certified service dogs only. Read more.
Is it allowed to take photos and videos of the museum?
For personal purposes, videos and photos may be taken during the visit without flash. Please note that tripods as well as selfie sticks are prohibited. Read more.
Is there a facility to withdraw money at the Louvre?
There is an ATM near the ticket counter. Read more.
General information
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Saadiyat Cultural District 1
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
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Written byMiriam DewamMiriam is keen on traveling and has a passion for photography, which she can enhance through her cross-media studies. She uses her knowledge as well as first hand experience from diverse travels to help other travellers as a content creator at TicketLens.
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