Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi will be housed in a building designed by Pritzker Prize winning architect Jean Nouvel. Its first key principle highlights the museum structure as a metaphor of the traditional Arabic souk, with small shaded passages. The second key principle is the protection of this museum, where the pedestrian areas and the nested artworks are roofed by a large dome.

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s dome combines traditional key elements within Islamic and Arabic architecture, as well as modern components. The geometric lace dome was inspired by the interlaced palm leaves traditionally used as roofing material in the UAE, which results in an enchanting ’rain of light’ effect. It is 180 metres in diameter with approximately 7000 tons of steel, supported by only four concrete piers.
Louvre Abu Dhabi will display works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from ancient times to the contemporary era and will encompass 9,200 square metres of art galleries.

Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Phone: +971 600 565566
www.louvreabudhabi.ae/

 museuminteresting placeModern (architecture)