Here’s a fact that you might not know: the Louvre is in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). And, no, we don’t mean the Louvre Museum in Paris, but the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a museum that’s just as awe-inspiring and packed with priceless treasures and antiquities from the past!
If you’re looking for a change of pace, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a must-see, offering plenty of historical and cultural insights, modern architecture, and activities for the whole family. Check out our guide and find out why it’s a must-add to your itinerary!
What is the Louvre Abu Dhabi?
The world-class Louvre in Abu Dhabi! Image Credit: Nazar Skalatsky via Unsplash
Born of the partnership between the renowned French institution, Louvre Abu Dhabi is the biggest museum in the UAE―opened in 2017. The museum houses over 600 pieces of historical, cultural, and artistic works from around the globe.
From Renaissance paintings to ancient Chinese carvings, 15th-century world maps, and contemporary art made by UAE artists, Louvre Abu Dhabi is considered the first universal museum in the Arab world. Although relatively new, it has become one of the city’s top tourist spots and a cultural landmark.
Where is the Louvre Abu Dhabi?
Louvre Abu Dhabi and its gigantic dome structure atop Saadiyat Island, a stone’s throw away from the coast of Abu Dhabi City. It is more or less a 5-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi or about an hour’s ride away from Dubai.
How to get there
The museum is easily accessible via bus, taxi, and private car, so you won’t have trouble going around.
By bus
- Take bus route 94, which has a direct stop at Saadiyat Island right by the museum entrance.
By car
- Take the Saadiyat Island or the Yas Island exit to Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12.
- Drive along Yas Highway and watch out for the road signs. This route will take you along the Cultural District, where the Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island.
What can I see inside the museum?
Walk through time and uncover the most interesting stories! Image Credit: Ziad Al Halabi via Unsplash
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a place where the East meets the West. Here, you can find a trove of treasures from history’s greatest empires—Ancient Egypt, Ancient China, the Ottoman Empire, Western civilization, and, of course, the Arab civilization. The museum has a wide selection of artifacts showcasing different cultures.
What’s interesting about it is that the exhibits are chronologically arranged rather than being curated by material or culture. Each of the museum’s galleries tells the story of humanity in 12 chapters. Starting from Egyptian antiquities, the collections reach their climax with showstopping art installations such as Mathilde Laurent’s The Perfumed Cloud and Ai Weiwei’s Fountain of Light, a beautiful sight of glass and crystals 23-feet high.
The Fountain of Light by Ai Wei Wei. Image Credit: David Joseph Blazo via Unsplash
While wandering the halls, you can encounter iconic masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronnière, Giovanni Bellini’s Virgin and Child, and Vincent Van Gogh’s 1887 self-portrait.
Spot the masterpieces by Van Gogh! Image Credit: Alina Grubnyak via Unsplash
Those who appreciate contemporary art will love the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s modernist galleries. Works by upcoming Arab artists and even heavyweight modernists such as Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol are displayed.
Special Exhibits
And let’s not forget about special exhibits! Aside from its permanent collection, Louvre Abu Dhabi hosts temporary exhibitions tackling various themes.
You can view the Dragon Phoenix: Centuries of Exchange Between Chinese and Islamic Worlds, which emphasizes cultural connections between the two great civilizations. Alternatively, you can also check out the Art Here 2021 and spot award-winning artworks from next-generation Arab artists.
Dragon Phoenix: Centuries of Exchange Between Chinese and Islamic Worlds runs until February 12, 2022, while Art Here 2021 is on display until March 27, 2022. So, catch them while you can!
Architecture
Forward-thinking and futuristic designs. Image Credit: Agnieszka Kowal via Unsplash
If those aren’t enough, the museum building itself is a work of art! The striking dome structure and the cuboid building that makes the Louvre Abu Dhabi is designed by renowned French architect, Jean Nouvel. Under its huge dome roof, you’ll find light and water interplays, perfect for taking Insta pics or an afternoon break!
Modern architecture at its best! Image Credit: Sudhith Xavier via Unsplash
Children’s Museum
The Louvre Abu Dhabi isn’t only meant to be enjoyed by the adults. Children can have fun too! Louvre Abu Dhabi dedicates three floors of interactive displays for the kids to explore at the Children Museum. Art adventures, #MakeandPlay activities, and many more to satisfy curiosity await you and the little ones!
Admission to the Children Museum is free for kids!
Kayaking
Kayaking in a museum? Why not?! Image Credit: The Blowup via Unsplash
Here’s a bonus: kayaking! An incredible add-on experience to your Louvre Abu Dhabi visit is to kayak through the museum’s waterways. If you’re feeling adventurous, the 1 hour guided kayak ride will cruise you around the clear blue waters of Saadiyat Island while taking on a new perspective and learning all about modern architecture.
How much time do I need to explore the museum?
Although Louvre Abu Dhabi is nowhere near as large as Louvre Paris, you’ll still need ample time to explore the museum’s many wings. A good 3 hours is enough to see its main collections. Though, if you have the time to spare, it’s nice to linger around your favorite exhibits.
Where can I dine at the Louvre Abu Dhabi?
Besides art, the museum offers several dining choices to have your fill of irresistible treats. The Aptitude Café serves specialty coffee with a picture-perfect view of the dome. Other dining options are the Museum Café and the Art Lounge. The cafes have the best tasting European and traditional Emirati dishes you can sample!
Still, if you prefer to sit outside the museum terrace and enjoy the waterfront views, you can use the cafes’ “Grab and Go” service from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m and have food delivered where you’re at (inside the museum grounds, of course).
For fancy dishes and a fine dining experience, head to the museum’s only Parisian brasserie, the Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi Restaurant.
Tickets and admissions
- Adults (18 to 60) : $17
- Kids (age 18 under) and Seniors (60 and over): Free of charge
Keep in mind that you’ll need to schedule your visit via the official website.
Louvre Abu Dhabi opening hours
You can visit the museum Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
PSA: Health guidelines
In line with the pandemic, here are COVID-19 rules you should know before planning a visit!
- Local tourists need to only show a “green” status on the Alhosn App
- International guests must be FULLY vaccinated, have a vaccination certificate, and a registered vaccine certificate in the official ICA platform.
- Masks should be worn inside and outside the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Cashless payments only, so bring along your credit card or smart wallet!
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