Sheikh Hamdan joined the kids as they browsed through some photos that captured how they used broomsticks and helped their community
The Future
Other than seeing the current exhibitions on show, one of the most exciting things is seeing what future works will be on show at the museum too. The Louvre Abu Dhabi announced late last year that Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece Salvator Mundi will go on display alongside another da Vinci masterpiece, La Belle Ferronnière. Salvator Mundi is known as "the last da Vinci" and is hailed as one of the greatest artistic rediscoveries of the last 100 years. Dating from around c. 1500, Salvator Mundi is an oil on panel painting. The fact this work, the only da Vinci that is privately owned will be available for public viewing at the Louvre is a pretty huge deal. It depicts a figure of Christ as Saviour of the World, facing the viewer, and dressed in flowing robes of lapis and crimson. The figure holds a crystal orb in his left hand that in its realism is mesmerizing to stare at.
The Architecture
The Louvre Abu Dhabi structure itself is a site to behold. Ten years in the making, Pritzker Prize-winning French architect Jean Nouvel, originally came to Saadiyat Island wanting to use the elements available to create the structure. The Louvre Abu Dhabi combines modern design and utilises light, sand and water as part of the space and overall experience. The latticed roof referred to as the 'Rain of Light,' and influenced by how light shines through the palm trees creates a mesmerising effect through the play of light across the epic open-air lobby. The dome is 180 meters in diameter, is made up of 7,850 unique stars, eight layers of cladding, with the largest stars at 13 meters in diameter. There are 55 individual buildings, 26 of those dedicated to permanent galleries. There are 17 glass ceilings which allow natural light to provide the best lighting conditions for you to view the works in the best way possible as well. The space and structure are tailored for you to immerse yourself in the works in the best way possible.
Demystify Art
Time and time again, people are mystified by art, artists and the sometimes sterile overly intellectual atmosphere some galleries have. Staring at something that doesn't make complete sense can make anyone feel less than smart. Then having someone explain to you why this is art, why this piece of work is of significance is daunting. Museums and institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi exist to demystify the art world to the public. They are sources of education and understanding. So, if you're someone who was always interested in art but always felt that you might not "get it", believe me when I tell you that the Louvre is a place you need to go to demystify your notion of what art is.
Unique Layout
In traditional museums, you'll find that each room or space is dedicated to a specific era, movement or theme. Often these are ordered based on geographical locations or civilisations the works belong to. This way visitors get a more thorough understanding of a specific area or movement. Though, to be honest how many of us remember a whole exhibition or display when we leave a museum? Do we leave with a detailed chronological understanding of a certain period? No, we leave with an experience that stays with us and certain pieces that caught our attention. And this is something the Louvre Abu Dhabi has decided to focus on through their unique curation of the works. Works from across the globe are combined chronologically and organised in one exhibition, so visitors can engage with the visual journey of human kind in a very novel way.
The Experience
The Louvre Abu Dhabi isn't a one-off experience. The collections include ancient archeological finds, paintings by modern masters and contemporary installations and more, so you can, and should go there several times with different people or alone to experience the works. Going with family is important especially if you have children. Experiencing art and history with children is the best way to set them in the right course and trigger the part of their mind that will keep them curious about the past and history. Experiencing the Louvre alone is also definitely unforgettable. Wearing the provided headphones, which provide audio commentary and information on the works, you can truly immerse yourself in the exhibitions without distraction. You can also make a day of it with your friends at the Louvre and Saadiyat Island where there are some pretty trendy restaurants on the beach for you to eat at. And you might need a friend to take some shots of you for your insta moment at the Louvre!
The Vision
Never underestimate the power of art. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is not only a cultural hot spot, it's the physical manifestation of how art can navigate and strengthen international relations. Representatives from the Louvre and other notable French museums worked together with the UAE Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi to create the museum. That alone is something to be proud of and witness in person. Walking through the museum you won't only be looking at the works of art created by hundreds of artists over hundreds of years, but also seeing how the vision of the UAE and how working together can create something as timeless as the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Hamdan joined the kids as they browsed through some photos that captured how they used broomsticks and helped their community
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