Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum

Louvre Abu Dhabi stands on Saadiyat Island and resembles a modern labyrinthine city of white pavilions linked by courtyards and pools. Above this “city” floats an enormous 180-metre openwork dome, filtering sunlight into a gentle “rain of light” that plays across the walls and floors. The museum resulted from a cultural partnership between France and the UAE: the Emirates gained the right to use the Louvre name, together with its international prestige and recognition. Construction began in 2009, and Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in 2017. Its collection includes hundreds of works, from artefacts of ancient civilisations and medieval manuscripts to Islamic art, European painting and works by 20th-century masters. Highlights include Bellini’s Madonna and Child, David’s portrait of Napoleon, and works by Picasso, Mondrian and Matisse. One display explores writing traditions across different religions. A children’s museum turns encounters with art into play and exploration for younger visitors.

The galleries at Louvre Abu Dhabi are arranged not merely as a succession of historical periods, but as a dialogue between cultures: works from different countries and eras stand side by side, showing how civilisations influenced one another. The museum also has an unexpected role as a rehabilitation centre for sea turtles. Weak and injured animals are brought from the National Aquarium and released back into the sea after recovery.