In May 2018 I visited the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which finally opened in November 2017, almost 10 years after the original announcement. While I am certainly no art aficionado, it was worth the wait for its architectural features alone. At 60DHS, it's worth a visit - or probably two, as I want to go back one more time during the day.
The first exhibit. One of the main objectives of the museum is to bridge the art gap between East and West.
Coincidental shot. Of course I got someone to get this shot of myself too.
This time of the day is actually - despite the amazing light - not the best to visit the museum. The roof structure casts its most impressive shadows and light beams around noon time.
So many angles and opportunities for photos.
Or not - it was certainly not busy around 7pm right before Iftar, but I did hear the museum gets queues on weekends.
The round roof contrasts with the rectangular shapes of the buildungs underneath.
The museum was designed to appear to be located in the sea, with pools filling as the tide changes.
Its design is meant to represent rays of sunlight coming through palm tree fronds.
A lot of attention was placed on all design elements, from the roof to the signage, with custom iconography and an elegant use of all three relevant languages. The Arabic font is a custom design.
Admittedly I am not an art expert, but the museum incorporates some interesting artifacts.
At a medium pace it probably takes around 2-3 hours to see everything.
One of the exhibits.
US$747m were set aside for the museum to be associated with the Louvre name and receive loan and special exhibit pieces.
The design of the interior is elegant and simple.
The permanet collection is about 6,000 square metres
Van Gogh's self portrait is on loan from the Louvre in Paris.
Creasted by chinese artist Ai Weiwei.
The exterior is equally as impressive as the artworks. The roof is made of sheets of metal in multiple layers, creating stars of different shapes and sizes.
The supporting pillars for the 7000 tonne dome are cleverly hidden, given the impression of a floating roof.
Representing the museum's most distinctive feature.
The exterior also features several exhibits.
The lack of sunlight is compensated with halogen lights of varying temperature.
The building is literally floating in water.