French President Macron inaugurated the much awaited Louvre Abu Dhabi and said, “The birth of a world cultural monument in the UAE capital is the greatest response to those who want to destroy humanity because it represents a bridge of artistic beauty that connects the continents of the world and human generations.”
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is meant to be a global museum with artifacts from ancient civilization to modern times. Ancient manuscripts of the Quran, Torah and Bible as well as paintings and sculpture from a diverse variety of artists including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh and Picasso are on display. While more than half the items on display are loans from several French museums, the permanent collection of Louvre Abu Dhabi includes a rare painting by Piet Mondrian which includes the use of the color blue. Also part of the permanent collection is a Calder mobile display which was inspired by Mondrian. 
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum on Saadiyat Island that exhibits art and artifacts from ancient times to the present day in order to celebrate cultural exchange and diversity. Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the museum represents an Arab medina (city). It has 23 permanent galleries, temporary exhibition space, a Children’s Museum, auditorium, restaurants, retail and a research centre. Surrounded by the sea, visitors can walk the promenades beneath the museum’s stunning 180 meter dome. They can experience Nouvel’s enchanting ‘rain of light’, giving one the feeling of sitting under palm trees.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Club membership program has also opened. Members will receive a range of exclusive benefits and the chance to become part of a vibrant cultural community. Throughout the year there will be special opportunities for members and their families to enjoy exclusive enhanced experiences, events and activities, including previews of the museum’s four temporary exhibitions each year.
Art Club members can visit and revisit Louvre Abu Dhabi, discovering something new each time. Options include a Member+1 package, for Dh 450 with unlimited free access for a member and one guest, or Member+5 for Dh1,500, which includes up to five named guests. Members and their guests can also enjoy free admission to Musée du Louvre in Paris and other partner museums.
Louvre Abu Dhabi was born of an intergovernmental agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France in 2007. The agreement stipulates that the name of Louvre is on loan for a period of 30 years; art works from French institutions for 10 years on a decreasing basis as the permanent collection grows; and the programming of temporary exhibitions for 15 years.
Single day entrance tickets to the Louvre cost Dh 60 for adults. If you are planning a trip to the UAE the Louvre Abu Dhabi should definitely be on your itinerary.
