Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its doors on November 8 2017 and we can still remember our first time standing beneath that iconic roof and taking it all in.
Now the Saadiyat Island museum has celebrated its second birthday and we can’t believe how quickly the time has gone.
Louvre Abu Dhabi has become one of the most popular tourism destinations in the region and we’re sure you’ve already added to your list of things to do with visitors when they come to town.
If you’ve still never been, we’d be surprised, as there is so much to see and do.
Here are just a few of things you can see at the museum when you visit.
Incredible art
What would a museum be without impressive art created by some of the world’s greatest artists?
Louvre Abu Dhabi is no exception where you can see works by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Henri Matisse and Édouard Manet as well as modern greats including Jackson Pollock, Piet Mondrian and Andy Warhol.
The paintings often change and some artworks are loaned for a short time so you can get a different experience every time you visit.
In the past we have also seen works by Vincent Van Gogh and Whistler’s Mother by James Abbott McNeill Whistler on display at the galleries.
Historical artefacts
As with any good museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi is filled with historical treasures from thousands of years ago.
Giving us a glimpse into the history of humanity, early settlements, ancient empires and more, there’s plenty to see.
The Ramses II Pharaoh of Egypt statue, standing at over two and a half metres, is one of the most striking pieces on show and it dates back more than three thousand years to 1279-1213 BCE.
The piece is among a number of items from ancient Egypt that also includes decorative sarcophagi, pottery and more.
You can also see some of the earliest artefacts from the Middle East, China and across the world with pieces on show dating back thousands of years.
Rolling exhibitions
We’ve been treated to some great exhibitions over the first two years of the museum’s lifespan.
‘Rendezvous in Paris: Picasso, Chagall, Modigliani & Co’ showcased more than 80 works of art by the likes of Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Marc Chagall, Juan Gris, Chaïm Soutine, Constantin Brancusi and Tamara de Lempicka.
Meanwhile, ‘Rembrandt, Vermeer & the Dutch Golden Age: Masterpieces’ celebrated the works of great Dutch painters and included the unveiling of Head of a Young Man with Clasped Hands by Rembrandt van Rijn – which is now part of the museum’s permanent collection.
In 2018, ‘Japanese Connections: The Birth of Modern Décor’ explores the strong link between Japanese and French art.
Currently, the ‘10,000 Years of Luxury’ exhibition includes 350 fascinating items from across the worlds of fashion, jewellery, visual art, furniture and design from the fifteenth century up until present day.
Children’s Museum
Louvre Abu Dhabi is also a family affair and children can engage with art in the main galleries as well as at the dedicated Children’s Museum.
Offering family-friendly exhibitions and activities, little ones can learn about artistic techniches, history and develop an interest in art and culture.
Catered to children from six to 12, the space is designed to nurture creativity and inspire the next generation of creatives.
Exciting events
There’s also more to do inside Louvre Abu Dhabi than marvel at works of art.
In the past two years a host of events and festivals have been held including the Rain of Light Festival, Big in Japan Festival and more.
Plus, a new Cubsit electro night is set to take place this month where live music and projections will create a unique audio and visual experience.
You can now even kayak around the museum during the day or at night for a different perspective of the iconic structure.
Long story short, there’s loads to see and do at Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmark. Enjoy exploring.
Museum entry Dhs63 (adults), Dhs31.5 (ages 13-22), free (under 13). Oct 30-Feb 18. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
