The estimated cost of the museum, which appears to float on water, reached a whopping $1.3 billion (Dh4.8 billion).
Abu Dhabi - The museum is not just a building constructed to house priceless artworks, but it is also a symbol of peace, due to its representation of diversities, cultures and eras.
Published: Fri 3 Nov 2017, 8:37 PM
Last updated: Fri 3 Nov 2017, 10:40 PM
Located on the sandy shores of Saadiyat Island, which literally means "Happiness Island," the first foreign branch of the Parisian landmark will host its precious gems under one of the most iconic domes ever built.
The museum is not just a building constructed to house priceless artworks, but it is also a symbol of peace, due to its representation of diversities, cultures and eras. The different-sized gaps in the roof, which allow natural light to filter inside the gallery spaces, as though palm trees are overlapping one another, are reminiscent of the UAE's unique nature and cultural heritage.
The museum includes 23 galleries, housed in 55 buildings, which are scattered around the massive 180-metre wide dome - thus representing an Arab village - as the man behind the museum, Jean Nouvel, told Khaleej Times in an interview back in September.
"I tried to imagine something that links to the UAE; I tried to create a micro-climate with the cupola and a neighbourhood underneath - all in one building - and tried to imagine the play of light and shadow."
Almost 8000 metal "stars" that have been repeated in different angles and sizes, in eight layers, have achieved the finish of this remarkable dome.
The outer construction material of the dome is made of stainless steel, while the inner dome is constructed of aluminum, totaling 7,500 tonnes.
The estimated cost of the museum, which appears to float on water, reached a whopping $1.3 billion (Dh4.8 billion).
"A museum like this - which holds the dialogue of civilisations - is very important for Abu Dhabi. It's also a symbolic part of the cultural district."
Once the doors open to the public in seven days, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will reveal that it is not just merely another building that displays beautiful artworks, but it will reveal the triumphs, sleepless nights, visions and efforts that went in to creating what will be a celebration for all mankind, a bridge that connects the East and the West - and a symbolic reminder that we must come together as one.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
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