The Louvre Abu Dhabi
On a pristine patch of sand dotted by date palms and surrounded by the glittering aquamarine of the Persian Gulf, is an art island paradise. The UAE is taking the spotlight, and it has the support of a highly esteemed French museum collective in launching forth the dream of a new cultural center based on the global aspirations of unity, tolerance, and acceptance through art. The Louvre Abu Dhabi (LAD) is a state of the art institution, whose inclusive atmosphere and conceptually unified galleries create a unique and extraordinary museum experience. Foregoing chronological segregation, the LAD focuses on what unites humanity, and the creativity and innovation that transcends time and space. The communal spaces of the museum also represent a new kind of atmosphere, designed for conversation and contemplation. Under the steel stars of its intricate cupola is a welcoming world of light, water, and sun, and suddenly The LAD is the most inclusive place in the world.
The LAD was conceived by intergovernmental collaboration, and is symbolic of the ageless values all humans share. In 2007, the Abu Dhabi DTC and the Agence France-Muséums forged an agreement creating a “ cultural center of gravity”, based on a global aspiration towards unity, tolerance, and acceptance. The Agence gathered seventeen superior institutions of France to contribute towards the development of the LAD. This guidance from the global art expert represents a rare opportunity to showcase the UAE’s bold visions of cultural progression alongside an esteemed institution. It’s fitting for The Louvre to assist in the pioneering of the UAE’s cultural scene, as The Louvre itself was born of the French Revolution, and founded in the undeniable freedom accompanied by cultural unity. France’s support of the UAE’s cultural ambitions is an incredible symbol of cultural preservation through embracing interconnectedness in art. Through the celebratory embrace of cultural differences the UAE may simultaneously protect and integrate its ancient and contemporary cultures into the global art realm.
Through eight layers steel, sunlight softly falls to the ground, an effect inspired by local date palms. However, no mere palm frond, this dome is a 7,500 tonnes sculpture, where in 7,850 stars created by the geometric sculpturing express a second ode to nature and to Islamic architecture. The souq inspired public spaces of the museum encourage visitors to meander 55 unattached buildings while absorbing outdoor art, passive waterways, the Abu Dhabi skyline, and the sparkling sea as it laps the pristine white buildings. The atmosphere of the LAD is best described by its “star-chitect” himself, Jean Nouvel, as “A welcoming world... [that] aims to emphasize the fascination generated by rare encounters”. These public spaces hold a meditative air, and encourage conversation alongside solitary contemplation. As one stands under the huge silvery dome dappled in an impossible, Renoir-esque rain of light, there is no choice but to become immensely aware of the rarity of this ambience and the collection of people engrossed by it.
The encouragement of socialization, contemplation, and inspiration create a space at the LAD for community, inclusion, and possibility. This tranquil, yet intellectually ambitious environment seems to embody its architectural attachment to the ever changing elements of the sun, sea, and artistic culture. It allows a sense of peace and unity in a dynamic and every changing world. People from all corners of the world are here to feel the unifying experience of a global museum and witness for themselves the vision of humanity in a new light. The Louvre Abu Dhabi allows the visitor to be included, from antiquity until today, and honor the human values that unite us all.
