The Louvre comes to Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first foreign branch of the Parisian landmark, will house a permanent collection of more than 600 artworks from across the world representing different civilisations and periods in history

Dome: Measures 180m in diameter, shading two-thirds of museum. Structure appears to float over water, as its four supporting pillars are hidden within building

SAADIYAT CULTURAL DISTRICT

Architect 
Jean Nouvel
Construction 
2009-2017
Estimated cost 
$1.3 billion

“Museum city”: 23 galleries housed in 55 buildings scattered around dome, built to resemble Arab village

Geometry: Almost 8,000 metal “stars” repeated at various sizes and angles in eight layers to create lace-like form

Outer dome
Stainless steel

Inner dome
Aluminium

“Rain of light”: Gaps in roof allow sunlight to filter into gallery spaces, reminiscent of overlapping palm trees


Abu Dhabi
UAE

Saadiyat Island
The Gulf
Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi

5km 3 miles

Sources: BuroHappold, World Architecture, The Telegraph 
Picture: Gabriel Jorby 
© GRAPHIC NEWS