7 Astonishing Facts about Louvre, Abu Dhabi

Louvre, Abu Dhabi represents the dynamic nature of the contemporary Arab world, while celebrating its vibrant and diverse heritage. Universalising the local heritage, the museum focuses on what unites us, stories of human creativity that transcend individual cultures, time or place. Origins dating back to 2007, the Louvre Museum went public in November 2017, as a result of France and the United Arab Emirates collaboration to develop a new kind of cultural institution.
The Louvre in France is well-known among art lovers. The glass pyramid structure houses the most famous art pieces such as Mona Lisa. But what about Abu Dhabi? The museum is not, in any way, a copy of the French Louvre, but has created its own legacy with the help of its counterpart.
Listed below, are some unknown facts about the Louvre, Abu Dhabi. It sure deserves the world’s attention.
#1. IT’S HUGE!
Designed by the Pritzker Prize winner, Jean Nouvel, on the lagoon island of Saadiyat, the Louvre Abu Dhabi “museum city” covers nearly 97,000 m². Go big or go home?

#2. FLOATING DOME
Engineers had to move 503,000 cubic meters of sand to lay the foundations for the museum. It rests on four points of contact and slightly low-slung, which gives an impression of a floating dome.

#3. DOME WEIGHS MORE THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER
It only seems to be floating because of the hidden pillars, while in reality, it weighs more than the great Eiffel Tower itself. Yet another connection to France — 7500 tonnes versus 7300 tonnes!
#4. IT HAS A MILLION(S) DOLLAR(S) NAME
Abu Dhabi Government paid 525 million USD to the Paris Government to use the same name as Louvre in France.
#5. “RAIN OF LIGHT” ROOFING
Pierced with openings to look like interwoven palm leaves, a traditional roofing material in the Emirates, the dome resembles a silver lace. Sun filters through the dome like a delicate “rain of light”, similar to a claustra lattice of Mashrabiyas, reflecting the constant interplay of light and shadow in the country.

#6. BOAT RIDE BONUS
Visiting a museum via boat? No, we are not talking about Venice! You can make your way to the amazing art pieces and bookstores at Louvre, Abu Dhabi, by reaching to the shore via boat. It’s on an island, remember? Though, you can choose land transportation.

#7. CONTEMPORARILY ARABIC
Its minimalistic and contrasting series of white buildings take inspiration from the medina and low-lying Arab settlements. The environment of the museum inspires to enjoy the ever-changing relationship between sun, sea, art and architecture.
The architectural brilliance of the Louvre, Abu Dhabi is a once in a lifetime experience. You may not be able to go to the museum in real, but not to be disappointed, you can visit it virtually and experience it like a detailed guided tour only on Outsitevr.com.
