The grand opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on November 8, 2017, was marked by a spectacular display of fireworks, their reflections shimmering on the waters of the Arabian Gulf. Under the museum's distinctive silver-toned dome, adorned with intricate Arabesque patterns, light filtered down like a gentle rain, casting an enchanting glow over the white-walled galleries below. Standing beneath this dome, visitors felt as though they were in an oasis, reminiscent of the shelters Bedouins once found among date trees.
Designed by chief architect Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi stands as a groundbreaking landmark in the Arab World. As reported by Khaleej Times, Nouvel, a Pritzker Prize-winning French architect, emphasized that the museum itself is a work of art, symbolizing the close cooperation between countries. It was also hailed as one of the UAE’s most significant ambitions to promote peace, tolerance, education, and cultural exchange.
Among the 130 artworks showcased at the museum's inaugural exhibition was an Islamic installation believed to originate from Damascus in the 13th century. During its construction, Nouvel envisioned an Arabian aura, likening the museum to a neighborhood rather than a single building. Located on Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testament to humanity's collective genius, as stated by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, who was then the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
The grand opening was attended by top UAE leaders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who described the museum as a meeting point for art, culture, and beauty enthusiasts worldwide. French President Emmanuel Macron and Morocco’s King Mohammed VI also graced the occasion, with Macron calling the museum a “decisive turning point” in France's relationship with the UAE.
Jean-Luc Martinez, then president of the Louvre in Paris, highlighted the museum's role in fostering understanding and diversity in a multipolar world. Although officially inaugurated on November 8, 2017, the museum opened to the public on November 11, featuring a four-day light show and performances by local and international artists. Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Culture and Tourism Authority, anticipated welcoming over 5,000 visitors in the first week, noting that the museum would resonate with people from all over the world.
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