The Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi, UAE

It is not just a brilliant museum, but a cleverly architected web-pattern dome, appears to float on water, where you can walk and relax. - Quote about 'The Louvre Museum, Abu Dhabi, UAE' - Sachin Kumar Gupta 

'The Louvre Abu Dhabi' is an art and civilization museum, located in Abu Dhabi, UAE (United Arab Emirates). If you are in UAE, and planning to visit Abu Dhabi, then Louvre Museum and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque should be in your list at the top. Both the places can be covered in a day. The museum is located on the Saadiyat Island Cultural District. 

Museum Timings:

Saturday to Wednesday 10am–8pm (Monday Closed)

Thursday and Friday 10am–10pm 

It was quite hot in the month of October first week. We arrived here around 2 p.m. and the entrance queue was minimal, So we got tickets in no time. You can also buy tickets online (suggested in busy months.) Admission gives you access to the museum galleries, exhibitions, Children’s Museum and public spaces underneath the dome.  Please note that some shows, events and certain paid attractions are not included in the general admission. Many artwork items from all around the world have been showcased in the middle east, with particular focus placed upon bridging the gap between Eastern and Western art. When we visited, It has 'theme of Tolerance'. There are 12 designated areas each describing a different period of time with items on display from that period. Many of the items were borrowed all the way from 'The Louvre Paris' and other galleries, however a surprisingly large amount of items are owned by the Louvre Abu Dhabi. To name a few, must-see are:

- 3D artwork rooms

- Alexander the Great Statue

- Horses of the Sun by Gilles Guerin 

- La belle Ferronniere by Leonardo da Vinci

- Pablo Picasso's Portrait of a Woman

- Self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh

In addition to the items, the museum architecture and design is amazing. Once you finish visiting the inside galleries. A seemingly floating dome structure welcomes you, its web-patterned dome allowing the sun to filter through. The building itself is stunning and appears to float on water due to it's clever construction, walls are painted white with a stunning steel dome which is a work of art in itself. The metallic ceiling of the Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed to reflect light into the museum like a natural palm frond. 

Great pictures can be taken while visiting the outside bay with the steps where you can truly enjoy the horizon and the calm water, there is also a restaurant, bar, and children museum for your little ones. We spend around 45 mins at children's museum as well. It was full of puzzles and themes were kids friendly. There were quite a lot local/European attires where you can have your child get ready, and have a click, we also got a few. There are many places to sit and relax as well. 

The tour is around 3 to 5 hours to cover full museum and exhibits. I also observe few people took other private boat tour to overlook full floating view of Louvre.  If you are in Abu Dhabi, Just go and see this architecture masterpiece. It is a absolutely a must, and worth to visit.

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