Architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi

Situated on Saadiyat Island in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a collection of experiences. This museum exhibits the journey through 12 chronological chapters through its twelve galleries. While wandering around the museum, you may feel like traversing through the centuries of world civilization.

The architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is designed in such a way that it provides so much more than an individual attraction. It is the latest cultural hub that even has a dedicated section for children, where they can gain in-depth knowledge of the different layers of history through bilateral aid. Therefore, making Louvre Abu Dhabi a sturdy epitome of preservation and appreciation of culture.

 Design of Building
Design of Building

The Louvre Abu Dhabi architecture is a symphony of concrete, water, and a soft play of the reflected light. The design of the building took inspiration from the rich architectural traditions of the region. The location of the museum was also selected in a way where the sands of the Saadiyat Island and the waters of the Arabian Gulf meet the Arabian Sky. Regarded as one of the contemporary wonders of the world, the building of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only the first universal museum of the Arab but also a sturdy epitome of the ambition and achievement of the United Arab Emirates.

A Floating Dome of Light and Shade
A Floating Dome of Light and Shade

When you move to the center of the Louvre Abu Dhabi architecture, you will find a vast silvery dome that resembles to be floating above the museum. The architecture of the dome took inspiration from the cupola and is a complex geometric structure of 7850 stars. You will find these stars layered on the dome in different sizes and eight different layers. When the rays of the sun fall on these stars, it creates an enchanting effect of light through the perforating filters within the museum, which is known as the “rain of light”. The palm trees of Abu Dhabi soften the bright sunlight creating a dappled pattern on the ground.

A Museum-City in the Sea
A Museum-City in the Sea

Since the Louvre Abu Dhabi is located beside the waters of the Arabian Gulf, it provides a welcoming world that creates a unique combination of light, shadow, and reflection. The Louvre Abu Dhabi architect, Jean Nouvel, has created the design of the museum in such a way that visitors can either arrive by land or sea. Visitors can definitely wander the streets and explore the 23 galleries of the 55 buildings. They can also take a break and discuss the artworks along the exterior walkways of the Louvre Abu Dhabi while gazing at the gorgeous ever-changing connection between the sea, sun, art, and architecture.

Natural Cooling Shadow
Natural Cooling Shadow

The dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only a thing of beauty, but it also helps in the reduction of the energy consumption of the buildings that are underneath. It creates a shadow on the outdoor plaza from the scorching heat of the sun. This natural cooling shadow creates an atmosphere and an unparalleled experience that you would feel like the tiny droplets of light are raining on you. Hence, you would not feel hot inside the museum as the cool atmosphere of the dome envelopes everybody.

An Environmental Micro-Climate
An Environmental Micro-Climate

The Louvre Abu Dhabi architecture is created in a way that it can excel in the environment rating in the ‘Silver LEED’ status. You will be astonished to know that the museum has also received a Three Pearl Estidama Design Rating. As the dome of the museum offers passive cooling, the museum generates a comfortable microclimate that draws inspiration from local culture and traditional regional architecture. The museum also features a passive water and energy conservation system that promotes efficient HVAC systems, lighting, and sanitary fittings. The patterns on the roof allow the daylight to enter the museum without creating a heating effect.

Facts and Figures
Facts and Figures

Some of the facts of Louvre Abu Dhabi are mention below :- The total weight of the dome in the Louvre Abu Dhabi is about 7500 tonnes, which is equivalent to the Eiffel Tower in Paris.- An aggregate of eight layers is there in the dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi architecture.- There are about 7850 stars in the pattern of the dome, with the largest star weighing around 1.3 tonnes, located across 13 metres.- Four piers are installed in the museum to support the dome and make it ‘float’.- The level of the Louvre Abu Dhabi building is 40 metres above sea level, and the dome is placed about 36 metres from the ground.- The diameter of the base of the dome is around 180 metres.

FAQs of Louvre Abu Dhabi

What are the activities to do in Louvre Abu Dhabi?

    • Discover the Galleries- The galleries in the Louvre Abu Dhabi narrates a compelling story of humanity in 12 different chapters. Each of the exhibits in the gallery share themes and ideas that unravel common relationships throughout all humanity. From modern artworks to prehistoric artefacts, you will find a vast range of collections in these galleries.

    • Enjoy Kayaking- Visitors can indulge in the unique guided kayaking tour in the stillness of the Arabian Sea. People can catch a glimpse of the architect of Louvre Abu Dhabi from a different perspective, along with the safety professionals. It is indeed one of the beautiful activities one can indulge in on their visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

    • Have Fun at Cubist Electro Night- The Louvre Abu Dhabi presents an electrifying night that features an appealing line-up of live DJ sets. Renowned musicians, like Two Fingers, Molecule Live, and Amon Tobin, along with Hassan Alwan, Boogie Box DJs, and Tristan Girault play some cubism-inspired visuals that illuminate the dome of the museum.

    • Shop for your Favourite Souvenirs- You can shop for your favourite souvenirs from the Museum Boutique, no matter whether it is a book or a stone. It will allow you to capture the memories spent together in the museum and take them with you on your way back home.

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