An architectural marvel and cultural and artistic beacon, Louvre Abu Dhabi is still as impressive today as it was when it opened its doors in 2017.
We still remember being awestruck the first time we stood below the incredible floating dome (which, did you know, weighs as much as the Eiffel Tower in Paris?) and many visits and hundreds of pictures later, we’re still amazed by it.
Since its opening, Louvre Abu Dhabi has quickly become one of the city’s biggest attractions for residents and tourists alike. In fact, it holds the title of the most visited museum in the Arab world.
People from all over the globe put the museum at the top of their list when arriving in the UAE for a holiday – and with good reason.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is filled with unique historic pieces, and classic and contemporary artworks spanning the then and now from East to West.
If you haven’t been yet, we’d be surprised, as there’s so much to see and do at the iconic landmark. And if you have, why not visit again to see the latest exhibitions, join a workshop, or listen to a talk?
Here’s all you need to know about the Louvre Abu Dhabi to make the most of your first (or next visit) to the museum.
You might also like: 5 top museums to visit in Abu Dhabi (and 3 on the way soon)
Everything you need to know about visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi
Operating hours
The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to midnight. That said, galleries and exhibitions close at 6.30pm on weekdays and 8.30pm on weekends.
Displays and exhibitions
With indoor exhibition spaces that cover 8,600 square metres and 23 permanent galleries occupying 6,400 square metres, we are not over exaggerating when we say there’s a lot to see at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
From works by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Henri Matisse, and Édouard Manet to modern greats including Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian, and Andy Warhol, there’s plenty to marvel at. And that’s not even mentioning the treasure trove of antiquities, such as Egyptian tombs, antique porcelain, and jewels on display.
The paintings often change and some artworks are loaned for a short time so you can get a different experience every time you visit.
Permanent displays at the museum galleries
Starting at The Grand Vestibule, a permanent collection can be found in the galleries section of the museum, which consists of four wings.
Here, visitors will find over 600 antiquities and artworks from prehistoric to contemporary times that give us a glimpse into the history of humanity, early settlements, ancient empires, and more.
Don’t miss the Ramses II Pharaoh of Egypt statue, which stands over two-and-a-half metres tall and dates back more than three thousand years to 1279-1213 BCE.
The piece is among a number of items from ancient Egypt that also includes decorative sarcophagi, pottery and more.
You can also see some of the earliest artefacts from the Middle East, China, and across the world with pieces on show dating back thousands of years.
Here’s what else to look forward to:
- Wing 1 has three galleries: The First Villages, The First Great Powers (where you’ll see the Pharaoh statue), and Civilisations and Empires.
- Wing 2 houses three more galleries covering Universal Religions, Asian Trade Routes, and history From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic.
- Wing 3 has four galleries arranged around Cosmography, Thinking the State, First Globalisation, and A New Art of Living.
- Lastly, wing 4 has two galleries: A Modern World and Challenging Modernity. Here, visitors will find works by artists such as Edouard Manet, Paul Gauguin, Piet Mondrian, and more.
Temporary exhibitions
In addition to the permanent displays, the museum also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions.
The museum recently unveiled its line-up for 2023-2024 and visitors can look forward to five stellar exhibitions, which will feature exciting new artists and works across a variety of mediums and subject matters.
This includes Letters of Light, an exhibition that will focus on the Holy Books of the three Abrahamic religions. The exhibition will run from Wednesday September 13, 2023 to Sunday January 14, 2024.
As well as Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design. Showcasing 500 pieces of artwork, including jewellery, drawings, books, and photography, the exhibition will highlight the influence of Islamic arts on Cartier’s iconic fashion designs. The exhibition will run from Wednesday November 15, 2023 to Sunday March 24, 2024.
Children’s Museum
Louvre Abu Dhabi is also a family affair where kids can engage with art in the main galleries, as well as at the dedicated Children’s Museum. Offering family-friendly exhibitions and activities, little ones can learn about artistic techniques, history, and develop an interest in art and culture.
Catered to children from six to 12, the space is designed to nurture creativity and inspire the next generation of creatives.
The Children’s Museum will be hosting a temporary exhibition, Picturing the Cosmos, from Tuesday July 18, 2023 to June 2025. The edu-taining exhibition will take youngsters on a journey through space via its various representations in art over the centuries.
Activities
But there’s a lot more to do at Louvre Abu Dhabi than just marvel at works of art.
For those looking to connect with their inner Picasso, Louvre Abu Dhabi offers an eight-week drawing programme (Dhs81.50).
The museum also offers a host of outdoor activities. Visitors can kayak around the museum (Dhs126) at sunrise, during the day or at night, walk or jog in the Louvre Abu Dhabi Park.
Restaurants and cafés
After exploring the various exhibitions, visitors can relax and reflect at one of the museum’s cafés or restaurants.
Choose between a relaxing bite at Museum Café or a meal with a view at Aptitude Café.
Art Lounge, meanwhile, offers a sleek outdoor setting and picturesque views over Abu Dhabi along with a wide selection of drinks and light bites.
Those wanting to dine in style should head to Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi. Legendary French chef Pierre Gagnaire has created the menu for the classy restaurant inside Louvre Abu Dhabi.
It’s inspired by the Parisian brasserie of the same name, so expect classic French cooking with a modern twist. (It’s a smart restaurant, though, so no shorts, please.)
Above the restaurant, visitors will also find Marta’s Bar, a speakeasy-style establishment that offers drinks and light bites in the afternoon and evening.
Tickets
Louvre Abu Dhabi general admission tickets cost Dhs63. Teachers, faculty members, and UAE military pay a reduced price of Dhs31.50, and kids under 18, residents over 60, Louvre Abu Dhabi members, ICOM and related card holders, journalists, and People of Determination (along with one companion) enjoy free access.
Tickets allow visitors access the museum galleries, temporary exhibitions, Children’s Museum, outdoor plazas underneath the dome, cafés, restaurants, bars, and museum boutique.
Tickets must be purchased online prior to your visit. You can buy tickets to Louvre Abu Dhabi here.
How to get there
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island and can be reached by private car, taxi, bus, or shuttle.
The museum offers free parking to visitors and paid valet parking for museum visitors at Gate 1.
Visitors who want to take the public bus, must take bus 94, while those travelling from Dubai can make use of the free Cultural Express shuttle that does roundtrips between Sheraton Mall of the Emirates and Louvre Abu Dhabi. Find the shuttle service’s time table here.
Dhs31.60 (teachers, faculty members, and UAE military), Dhs63 (general admission), free entry (kids under 18, residents over 60, Louvre Abu Dhabi members, ICOM and related card holders, journalists, and People of Determination). Tue-Sun 10am-midnight. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, louvreabudhabi.ae.
