You will find the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. As the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula, this remarkable facility operates under an agreement between the UAE and France to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western art. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the museum spans approximately 24,000 square meters and features 55 buildings, including 23 galleries that resemble low-rise regional homes.
The architectural centerpiece is a stunning 7,000-tonne, web-patterned dome constructed from 7,850 aluminum stars across eight layers. Sunlight filters through this roof structure to create a captivating "rain of light" effect reminiscent of sunlight passing through date palm fronds in an oasis. Outside, watertight basements and tidal pools offer the illusion of a "museum in the sea." When you visit, you can explore permanent and temporary gallery spaces showcasing global artworks and artifacts spanning history, from ancient creation myths to modern masterpieces.
Highlights include commissioned public art, such as Jenny Holzer's monumental limestone sculptures engraved with historical texts and Giuseppe Penone's bronze tree installation, "Leaves of Light." You can also dine inside at Fouquet's restaurant, featuring a menu crafted with celebrity chef Pierre Gagnaire.
What to see at Louvre Abu Dhabi
- A web-patterned dome made of 7,850 aluminum stars creating a sunlit "rain of light" effect
- 23 art galleries designed to look like low-rise regional homes set along tidal pools
- Jenny Holzer's monumental limestone sculpture engraved with historical texts in three scripts
- Giuseppe Penone's "Germination" installation, featuring a bronze tree named "Leaves of Light"
- Fouquet's restaurant featuring a menu created with celebrity chef Pierre Gagnaire
Visiting tips
Be sure to visit Fouquet's inside the museum to enjoy a menu created in partnership with celebrity chef Pierre Gagnaire.
How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Daytime
How to get there & what’s nearby
Louvre Abu Dhabi is easy to reach on Abu Dhabi’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Abu Dhabi travel guide.
See the full Abu Dhabi travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.