Abu Dhabi - Online tickets for the whole week is already sold out, according to ticketing officials.
Published: Sat 11 Nov 2017, 4:54 PM
Last updated: Sat 11 Nov 2017, 8:23 PM
Euphoria marked the public opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on November 11 as both residents and tourists made a beeline to get up close with the iconic structure on the Saadiyat Island on Day 1.
People from all walks of life braved the morning sun to get hold of the 1000 tickets that were on sale at the counters on the opening day.
Online tickets for the whole week is already sold out, according to ticketing officials.
By 11pm, museum staff was putting up umbrellas to offer shade to the visitors as the line got longer. Water was also made available for visitors.
Shuttle buses were relentlessly running since 10am to transport visitors from the public parking to the museum gate.
"The current waiting time to get in is at least two hours. It can go up to three hours," an official told those waiting.
But art lovers remained undaunted.
"I am not going anywhere even if it means waiting the whole day," said Fahad, an Arab expat.
There were early birds who were at the museum gate well before the opening at 10am, to beat the queue.
"Just three more minutes to go, and I am inside Louvre," Jordanian Manas Abdeljaber could not contain her excitement as she stood at the gates.
A Dubai resident, she hit the road at 7am with her 67-year old mother, Naval to be at the Louvre gate before 9am.
"I am so excited. I have seen the Louvre in Paris, and now I want to be among the first inside Louvre," said an equally elated Naval.
French expats Malika Zaarour and Carole Borie too were at the gate early so as not to miss the Day 1 of Louvre.
"We are from Bordeaux in France, and has never been to the Louvre in Paris. But we don't want to miss this one," said Borie.
The museum opened its doors to public at sharp 10am with Louvre museum director, Manuel welcoming the guests.
"We are very, very happy to have you as the first visitors. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a gift from Abu Dhabi to the world. It is a gift to the new generation."
Rabaté handed over the first tickets and a souvenir book to sisters, Kalyssa, 5 and Kiyana 7.
"I feel lucky. I love art and this is my favourite museum," an excited Kiyana told Khaleej Times.
Their mother Dr. Zahra Jiwani said her family was very excited to be in Louvre as it was a special moment. "We are quite amazed that they built a museum of this scale in the emirate. We are very curious as to see what is in there. We have been to many museums around the world, in New York, Japan, Malaysia and Singapore to name a few. But this one is really special as it is in our own city," said Jiwani.
The public opening of Louvre is marked with four-day festivities that include entertainment shows and headline concerts by international artists.
Tickets are priced at Dh 60. For visitors between 13 and 22, tickets cost Dh30. Children below 13 enter free.
More reactions from visitors
Nathalie Fend, Austria, Cultural Instructor at Goethe Institute
I am overwhelmed. It is an incredible piece of architecture. The collection of artefacts are quite impressive, covering many eras of human civilization. I am definitely getting an annual membership because I see myself coming back often.
Yating Zhao, Publisher, Beijing
I live in Dubai and drove to Abu Dhabi to be part of this historic moment. I toured the galleries and I was blown over, particularly by the Da Vinci portrait of the unknown woman. It makes me so happy that Abu Dhabi has done such a massive cultural investment for generations to come.
Luanne Cash, Art Teacher
Lot of our students have studied many artists that are represented in the Abu Dhabi Louvre galleries. I think it is great opportunity to seem these works live and understand the techniques used in some work. Also, we have been waiting for many years for the museum to open. We waited for almost an hour to get in.
Nawal Al Humairi, Emirati professional
I came to see Louvre on the opening day as it is a proud day for us. I am very happy my country has built this universal museum that will attract people from all over the world.
Claudia, homemaker from France
I am a French national and I am quite excited about the Louvre Abu Dhabi opening. It is a great day. My son is just four months old and I am very proud to take him inside Louvre.
Zahra Jiwani, Canadian doctor
We visit museums from all over the world. We are amazed that it is built here and we are curious as to what pieces are in the galleries here.
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