Inside the Louvre Abu Dhabi - a game-changing museum for the Middle East's art scene

The Middle East’s very own Louvre opened this week. Here’s what you need to know
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On the eastern rim of Saadiyat Island lies a new sibling for the iconic Parisian Louvre.

A decade in the making, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was approved by the French Parliament in October 2017, and has finally opened its doors this week.

The Middle Eastern Louvre lies next to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi which is estimated to have cost £18 billion.

Earlier this week it was opened by French President Emmanuel Macron along with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai who declared that the two nations were ‘forever intertwined’.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said in a statement: “Louvre Abu Dhabi presents a collection of exceptional artworks and artefacts that are unparalleled anywhere in the region, housed within one of the 21st century’s architectural masterpieces. After an exciting period of preparation, the opening is a truly special moment."

Mohamed Somji

Abu Dhabi’s answer to the Louvre was designed by French architect Jean Nouvel and was meant to open in 2012. Yet, after five years of delays the spectacular building is finally open to the public.

Nouvel said: “Louvre Abu Dhabi embodies an exceptional programme in the literal sense of the word. Its vocation is now to express what is universal throughout the ages. Its architecture makes it a place of convergence and correlation between the immense sky, the sea-horizon and the territory of the desert. Its dome and cupola imprint the space with the consciousness of time and of the moment through an evocative light of a spirituality that is its own.”

The low-lying building – only 30ft tall in parts – sets itself apart from the sky-scrapered oasis of Abu Dhabi.

However, the name is only temporary as the French Louvre has only agreed to lend its name to the Abu Dhabi version for 30 years and 6 months, temporary exhibitions for 15 years, and artworks for 10 years.

The domed building has opened with over 600 artefacts – 300 loaned from French museums – and includes work by Jackson Pollock and Leonardo Da Vinci. And it has a staggering annual acquisition budget of £400 million.

The special inauguration exhibition, ‘From One Louvre to Another’ will open December 21 and will look at the history of Musée du Louvre, its creation and history of exhibitions.

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