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Step inside the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi, one of the premier cultural institutions in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. From the moment this museum opened its doors in the Emirate, the place’s art scene elevated to a global scale.
There are 9,200 square metres of displays to explore at Louvre Abu Dhabi, including the permanent galleries displaying the museum’s collection and loans from notable French museum. The temporary galleries feature special exhibitions all year round.
Louvre Abu Dhabi does not just house many art pieces to admire. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, designed by Jean Nouvel. The centrepiece of Nouvel’s vision is a massive silvery some that appears to float above the museum.
Inspired by the cupola, part of the region’s architecture, Nouvel’s dome is a complex, geometric structure composed of 7,850 stars. The magic happens as the sun passes through because the geometry projects a spotted pattern on the ground called the ‘rain of light’.
1. Louvre Abu Dhabi Collection and Highlights
Louvre Abu Dhabi focuses on cross-cultural interactions. You can find important art and artefacts spanning the entirety of human history across the globe. The museum’s expanding collection of treasures encompasses all categories of art.
You can find all types of material artistic expression from the past to the present. From ancient relics to contemporary masterpieces, Louvre Abu Dhabi features a rich display of human creativity. Exploring just the highlights could take at least one hour.
The highlights of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection include the Basin of Bonifilius, Bezique Game, Bodhidharma, Bodhisattva, Buddha Head, Ceremonial Armour and much more. You can get more details about the collection on the official platform.
2. Louvre Abu Dhabi 2025 event calendar
April 23: Drawing at the Museum
Unleash your creativity and imagination at Drawing at the Museum with a Museum Educator! You can join immersive sessions led by an artist to learn different techniques, from human figures to landscapes. These sessions are open to all.
Ticket pricing:
- Dh81.50 (including admission and VAT)
- Dh40 for members (including VAT)
- Timings: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
- Contact number: +971 600565566
April 27: Book an Easel
Calling all aspiring artists! You can explore the museum’s collections alongside a Museum Educator and participate in a 30-minute skill development activity to inspire your imagination. Next, work independently at your easel in the Art Studio.
Ticket pricing:
- Dh150 (including admission price Dh31.50)
- Dh120 for members and DCT staff
- Note: Guests get 15% discount on selected menu items from Aptitudes Cafe.
- Timings: 1 pm to 4 pm
3. Current exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Until May 25: Kings and Queens of Africa: Forms and Figures of Power
Probably for the first time in the UAE and the region, get an exceptional glimpse into the lives of Africa’s most revered figures. Each piece reveals a story of authority and cultural significance. You can explore masterfully designed royal attire, sacred symbols and much more.
Ticket pricing:
For Louvre Abu Dhabi, you need to book an admission ticket to get access to the museum galleries, exhibitions, outdoor plazas underneath the dome, museum cafe, Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi and boutique. Members get free admission to the museum.
For more details, check out the official platform.
4. Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s Museum
The Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi is running ‘Picturing the Cosmos‘, an interstellar journey into the depths of space. This family-friendly exhibition seamlessly blends art and interactive games for an unforgettable experience.
You can embark on an intriguing Space Mission. The story begins through marvelling at the celestial entities through artistic interpretations. You can unlock the mysteries through scientific inventions that helped humans better understand the complexity of space.
Ticket pricing:
- Free for children
- For adults and members, check out the ticket section of this article.
5. Louvre Abu Dhabi Dine-in Options
a. Museum Cafe
The Museum Cafe offers delicious dishes, a grab-and-go service and a special kid’s menu. This relaxing dining place blends Emirati and European flavours.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm (last orders at 6:15 pm)
- Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 9 pm (last orders at 8 pm)
- Closed on Mondays
b. Aptitude Cafe
Aptitude Cafe offers a broad selection of irresistible treats, including breakfast items, pastries and coffee. You can also take stunning pictures of the museum from here.
Opening hours:
- Daily (including Mondays): 9 am to 10 pm
c. Art Lounge
Art Lounge offers the perfect outdoor setting to relax and enjoy beverages and light bites. It is a hidden gem, recognised as one of the most underrated sunset lounges in the city.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 5 pm to 12 am (last order at 11 pm)
- Closed on Mondays
d. Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi
Relish fine dining in a museum. The Fouquet’s restaurant is prominent for its links to art, film and culture, bringing the epitome of the fine French brasserie dining to the UAE.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am (last order at 10 pm)
- Friday and Saturday: 12 pm to 1 am (last order at 10:30 pm)
- Closed on Mondays
e. Marta Bar
Marta Bar is a speakeasy-style bar. Seamlessly transitioning from day to night, enjoy the laid-back luxe atmosphere in the afternoon or drinks and light bites.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm to 12 am (last order at 11:30 pm)
- Thursday and Friday: 12 pm to 1 am (last order at 12:30 pm)
- Closed on Mondays
6. Louvre Abu Dhabi Experiences
a. Private Catamaran Cruise
Go on a luxurious electric catamaran for a one-of-a-kind experience offering spectacular sights of the iconic architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Operating hours:
- 10 am to 10 pm
Pricing details:
- Starting from Dh210
To book, please visit: namimarine.com
b. Kayaking around the Museum
Stillness to the rescue. Take a leisurely tour on a kayak and learn all about the architecture of Louvre Abu Dhabi from a unique perspective.
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 5:30 pm
Pricing details:
- Starting from Dh126
- There are 25 seats per trip.
- No prior experience is necessary.
- Tour lasts 60 minutes.
- Payments should be made online prior to the tour.
- Dates and timings are subject to change. Please check the official platform before booking your session for the day.
c. Private Photography Experience
Enjoy a private photography experience at Louvre Abu Dhabi. This package includes a private photographer, 30 minutes of experience, digital copies and one fine-art print.
Pricing details:
- Starting from Dh480
7. Louvre Abu Dhabi Express Tours
a. Express Tour
Explore the highlights of the museum’s collections.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 12 pm
Pricing details: Dh50
b. Group Express Tours
Explore highlights from the collection, architecture or exhibition.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 4:30 pm
Pricing details: Dh600 (25 people)
8. Louvre Abu Dhabi: Getting There
Located on Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi represents the UAE-France partnership for cultural exchange. You can find the art and artefacts from ancient empires, the great age of the Silk Road and more. Just exploring the highlights of Louvre Abu Dhabi Collections could take an hour. It is quite easy to get to the museum because of its location.
By Car:
Saadiyat Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Emirate. From Dubai on E11 or Yas Island, take the Saadiyat Island/Yas Island exit on to Sheikh Khalifa Highay E12 and go along Yas Highay to The Cultural District to eventually reach Louvre Abu Dhabi.
By Taxi:
For those opting for taxis or ride-hailing companies such as Careem or Uber, remember that Saadiyat Island is located at a distance of 10 minutes from Zayed International Airport, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi and one hour and 15 minutes from Dubai.
By Bus:
From Dubai, the E100 bus departs Al Ghubaiba Bus Station for Abu Dhabi. You can also take the E101 route from Ibn Battuta Bus Station. There are Visit Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus and Abu Dhabi city bus number 94, too. For more details, click on this link.
On the Cultural Express:
The Cultural Express offers free and comfortable round trip from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. This shuttle stops at a couple of locations only – Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr al Watan. Enjoy free internet, air conditioning, comfort seating and luggage compartment.
9. Louvre Abu Dhabi Opening Hours
Galleries and Exhibitions:
- Tuesday to Thursday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
- Friday to Sunday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
Please Note:
- The last entry is 15 minutes prior to closure.
- The Dome remains open until midnight but the last entry is at 11 pm.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi is closed on Mondays.
10. Louvre Abu Dhabi Tickets
For Louvre Abu Dhabi, you need to book an admission ticket to get access to the museum galleries, exhibitions, outdoor plazas underneath the dome, museum cafe, Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi and boutique. Members get free admission to the museum.
For adults (18+): Dh65
For UAE Military, UAE Teachers, Workshop Ticket Holder, Homat al Watan: Dh35
Complimentary admission ticket for,
- Under 18 years old
- ICOM/ICOMOS Member
- Journalist
- People of Determination
- People of Determination companion
- Resident Senior Citizens (60+)
11. Important Tourist Information
Louvre Abu Dhabi is an important part of Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. It houses a vast collection of significant art pieces from across the globe, representing human creativity through the ages. But there are some things to keep in mind.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi admission tickets are only valid for entry on the selected date.
- You can stay at the museum as long as you like during opening hours.
- The museum remains closed on all Mondays.
- From Tuesday to Sunday, Louvre Abu Dhabi is open from 10 am to 6:30 pm.
- Ticket desk closes at 5:30 pm.
- Last entry using a pre-booked ticket is 6 pm.
- You can remain after 6:30 pm for refreshments in one of the cafes, restaurants and bars.
- Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Ticket purchases cannot be refunded or amended.
- Members, complimentary and discounted price admissions are only possible if the required supporting membership or ID card is presented at the museum.
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