Situated at the confluence of cultures from Europe, Asia, and Africa, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a raw canvas, set to inspire inter-cultural dialogues. A manifestation of this thought, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, with its exquisite French design and centuries old heritage of the Arab world, is a bold representation of the many cultures and traditions that have been shaping our world for centuries.
If you are planning a trip to Abu Dhabi, plan to spend a full day at the Louvre, as there is so much to see! It is strongly recommended that you book your tickets in advance, online, as this newest addition to UAE’s tourist map attracts many tourists and art lovers from all across the globe. Purchasing the Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets online will give you allow you skip the line access to the museum galleries, children’s museum, exhibitions and other public spaces under the latticed dome.
Louvre Abu Dhabi In A Nutshell
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a treasure trove of experience. Via twenty galleries, journey through twelve chronological chapters as you travel through centuries of world civilization. The Louvre Abu Dhabi also has a dedicated section for children, where they can use interactive aids to understand the many layers of history.
Within the museum grounds, architect Nouvel has brilliantly designed a café, as well as a an open plaza. As part of the Saadiyat Island Cultural Hub, this ‘Universal Museum’ is set to be the beginning of so much more than a single attraction. With upcoming neighbors, including the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the inauguration of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the birth of a new cultural hub.
Handy information
| ⏰ Suggested Duration: | 2 hours |
| ☀️ Best Time to Visit: | Mornings |
| 💜 Must See: | Portrait of an Unknown Lady |
| 🎟️ Louvre Abu Dhabi Ticket: | AED 63 |
Must-See Paintings
La Belle Ferronnière
The portrait of Napoleon
La Gare Saint-Lazare
Portrait of a Lady
Self -portrait by Vincent van Gogh
Must-see sculptures & artifacts
Statue of Gudea, Prince of Lagash, Praying
Monumental Statue with Two Heads
Page of the ‘Blue Qur’an‘
Fountain of Light
Opening Hours And Address
Sat - Wed: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Thur - Fri: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Closed on Monday
Address : Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Get Directions
Recommended Louvre Abu Dhabi Tickets
Louvre Abu Dhabi Tickets are easily available online and purchasing them in advance is highly recommended as the lines can easy take upto 2 hours during peak hours. Headout sells Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets at discounted prices with attractive cashback offers, so you can scroll below and check out the various types of Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets available and purchase in 3 quick steps!
A Universal Museum - Louvre Abu Dhabi Origin Story
The concept of Louvre Abu Dhabi was conceived back in 2007, when the French government and the United Arab Emirates came together to create a universal museum that would tell the story of the world through works of art. An ambitious project, the two parties happily accepted the challenge. Built on 64,000 square meters of pristine white museum city, the massive Arabian counterpart of Paris’s Louvre houses unique paintings, sculptures, and other artworks that have been sourced in collaboration with the Agence France Museums.
In Nouvel’s words, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is - “A welcoming world serenely combining light and shadow, reflection and calm. It wishes to belong to a country, to its history, to its geography without becoming a flat translation. It also aims to emphasise the fascination generated by rare encounters.”
As the largest art and culture museum of its kind in the Arab world, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was conceptualised to embody the similarities that cut across centuries and traditions in different parts of the world. The multicultural museum will be using the name Louvre for thirty years, and the growing unique collection here is a combination of original pieces from the Middle East, as well as artefacts from all over the world.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Architecture
Created by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi was inaugurated on November 8, 2017. Taking inspiration from Abu Dhabi’s idyllic virgin lagoon island, Saadiyat, the world-renowned architect designed a façade that brilliantly complements the chronological journey of the world, aptly characterizing the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection.
The 55 buildings that make up the museum city are blanketed by an aluminium and steel latticed dome, inspired by the mashrabiya, a screen used in the Middle East as protection from the harsh sunlight. The sunlight filters through the dozens of stars stenciled within the dome, and the soft beams of light create a magical aura at every turn in the museum.
An impressive architectural feat, Abu Dhabi's newest museum stands as cultural institution, rooted in universal human values, fostering respect, curiosity, learning and self-reflection. From what to see and how to get tickets, here's your guide to experiencing the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
What to see at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Galleries
A portrait of an unknown lady by Leonardo da Vinci
'A Portrait of an Unknown Lady' is a beautiful, enigmatic painting by Leonardo da Vinci. This masterpiece perfectly encapsulates the artistry and skill of one of the world's most renowned artists. Da Vinci captures something special in this painting that makes it truly captivating - perhaps it is her dreamy expression or her timeless beauty that draws us all in.
The Portrait of Napoleon by David
There's no denying that Jacques-Louis David's famous portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte is a stunning work of art. From the sharp lines of his iconic bicorne hat to his piercing gaze, this painting truly brings him to life. The facial features are in perfect balance with the strong lines of the clothing, giving a sense of power and strength that perfectly captures Napoleon's personality.
‘La Gare Saint-Lazare’ by Claude Monet
Claude Monet's painting from 1877, 'La Gare Saint-Lazare,' is a beautiful example of impressionist art. The enchanting play of light and shadows against the popping colors sets the scene of a vivacious train station in Paris during the late 19th century. Nowadays, this painting is not only representative of the impressionist movement but also captures the essence and liveliness of Paris.
‘Portrait of a Lady’ by Pablo Picaso
The Pablo Picasso painting 'Portrait of a Lady' is a age-old classic. Thousands have studied and analyzed this beautiful work with its different colors and strokes. It's become an world famous example of modern art.
Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh
The Louvre Abu Dhabi's Vincent van Gogh self-portrait is one of a kind. An expressive andIconic work of art, it shows the life passion of the artist in bubbly colors that reflect his feelings.
Exhibitions
Every year, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with thirteen French Museum partners, will host four temporary exhibitions that will follow the same theme as the permanent exhibits in the museum’s galleries, and offer an exclusive experience to the visitors of the newly opened universal museum.
Children’s Museum
The two- floored Children’s museum at the centre of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is designed to pique the curiosity of children between the ages 6 and 12 years. Parents too can accompany the children here and engage in various activities that will help the young minds grasp the importance of art and culture and get the most out of the museum.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Floor Plan - Virtual Tour
After purchasing your tickets, walk into a promenade overlooking the sea beneath Louvre's latticed dome and experience the ‘rain of light’. From here you can start touring the Louvre Abu Dhabi's by visiting its Galleries. There are 12 galleries arranged in a sequence highlighting universal themes and commonalities, transcending geography, nationality and history. The order of galleries are :
• The Great Vestibule
• The First Villages
• The First Great Powers
• Civilizations and Empires
• Universal Religions
• Asian Trade Routes
• From the Mediterranean to the Atlantic
• Cosmography
• The World in Perspective
• The Magnificence of the Court
• A New Art of Living
• A Modern Art
• Challenging Modernity
• A Global Stage
In addition to these 12 galleries, there are temporary exhibition held year round. If there are any during your visit, make sure to visit these too. After the Galleries and Exhibitions, you can move onto the Children's Museum which is located centrally across the 2 floors of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. If you have worked an appetite after all the ambling, you can head to the restaurant or cafe in Louvre Abu Dhabi for a delectable bite.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Reviews
Overall experience was awesome. We would definitely come back, and still get the tickets from headout for a swift experience once more!
- Roxanne, Headout, November 2022
This was really excited.
Because :- No need to stand in line as I have seen quos for tickets at boooking windows. No need to change this online booking invoice to exchange for a ticket etc. Just they scanned the barcoading of my receipt at entry gate an allowed me in. Finally an absolute discomfort free check in in to this property.
Thanks!
- Sreenivasa, Headout, October 2022
You can read more reviews of Louvre Abu Dhabi on Headout here.
Louvre Abu Dhabi - Opening Hours
Louvre Abu Dhabi Timings
- Saturday-Wednesday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Thursday- Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- Closed on Monday
How to get to the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Getting to Louvre Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi is located in Saadiyat Island's Cultural District. Designed to be the largest single cluster of world-class cultural assets, the area is expected to grow immensely in the coming years.
- By Bus
Take bus #94 to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island stop. - By Car
If you are driving in from Abu Dhabi City, head toward Zayed Port (Mena Zayed), and follow the signs to reach Yas Island, which will then lead you to the Saadiyat Island via the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge. Take the road off Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12 to reach the Cultural District and take the first exit after the bridge to reach the museum. - By Taxi
If you are planning to travel by taxi, there are dedicated drop-off and pick-up points in front of the museum's main entrance.
Insider Tips
- If you're interested in learning more about the artefacts and the architecture from local experts, opting for a tour guide is well wroth the extra cost.
- Each of the galleries are numbered, making it easy for visitors to follow the sequence and explore all 12 chapters of world history.
- The architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi is just as impressive as the artifacts it houses. Be sure to spend sometime admiring the outdoor pools and overall structure.
- The museum city is huge; make the most of your experience by allotting plenty of time to enjoy the place to its fullest. We recommend a full day.
Looking for discounts on Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets? Here are some promo codes and coupons to help you save some extra money.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Quick Facts
- The floating dome, which is the identifying feature of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, is an eight-layered blanket of honeycombed steel and aluminium, weighing almost as much as the Eiffel Tower (7,300 tonnes)!
- The combination of filtered light that enters from the dome, reflective surfaces, and stone floors lend the museum its own microclimate, keeping the temperature nice and cooler inside.
- Over 503,000 cubic meters of sand was moved to lay the foundation of the museum.
- The geometric structure of the dome has 7,850 stars shining down at the museum with rays of light.
- There is going to be a 1 km long underground tunnel that will connect the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
FAQS
Standard Louvre Abu Dhabi tickets cost AED 63 (US$ 17) for adults, AED 31,5 (US$ 9) for young adults aged from 13 to 22 years old and seniors aged over 65 years old. Children aged under 13 years old may enter the museum for free
And look out for highlights such as Vincent Van Gogh's 1887 self-portrait, Claude Monet's The Saint-Lazare Station and Jacques-Louis David's huge Napoleon Crossing the Alps. Those who appreciate contemporary art will love the 21st century works, stunningly displayed inside the Louvre Abu Dhabi's modernist galleries.
Known as the most expensive painting in the world (awarded $450.3 million in 2017), “Salvator Mundi” by Italian Leonardo da Vinci was hosted by the Louvre Abu Dhabi in November 2017.
We recommend purchasing tickets online, to avoid queues when you enter. Tickets to the Louvre Abu Dhabi cost 60 AED. Children between the ages of 13 and 22, as well as students studying at a UAE educational institution, receive half-price tickets. Furthermore, children under the age of 13 can enter for free.
