“See humanity in a new light” is the motto of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum. Situated in the Saadiyat Cultural district, this unusual edifice is the hub of a 55-building development. With its magnificent “floating” roof, housing 12 galleries, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only a showpiece of human expression through the ages, it is a manifestation of the ingenuity of architecture and engineering. No expense was spared.
Trivia: The Louvre Abu Dhabi was conceived by the architect, Jean Nouvel, and is an archipelago out at sea. The dome weighs 7,500 tonnes (as much as the Eiffel Tower); it is inspired by the Arabic cupola and the shade provided by the palm trees; the design forms a tapestry of 7,850 stars, varying in sizes and angles, forming eight different layers; it has a diameter of 180 metres at its base. That out of the way…
The Louvre Abu Dhabi “tells the story of humanity in twelve inspiring chapters”, ranging from pre-historic artefacts to contemporary artworks, owned by the Museum or loaned from well-known institutions and private collectors.
A visit to the expansive museum makes a welcome change from the over-crowded galleries (in population and artworks) of the West, providing visitors with breathing space and a sense of calm.
At the time of our visit, there was a special exhibition: Rendezvous in Paris 1900 to 1939: Picasso, Chagall, Modigliani & Co. A fascinating show of colours and shapes, the exhibition presented the artistic journeys and connections of the aforementioned artists, along with Delaunay, de Lempicka, Kupca, de Souza-Cardozo and other lesser-known but equally impressive talents. I hope the Exhibition will travel to a gallery near you!
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a work in progress, it is a fledgling with a lot of potential. In fact, the whole cultural district is a development site, with the planned construction of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and other cultural “assets”.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Head of a Woman & Table by Alexandre Archipenko
Young Girl Sleeping by Sonia Delaunay
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The Floating Roof