“Rain of Light” under the Dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi

Born of an intergovernmental agreement between the UAE and France in 2007, Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab World, embodying the spirit of openness and dialogue among cultures. Linking Abu Dhabi with the name of the Louvre, Louvre Abu Dhabi will display works of historical, cultural and sociological significance, from the most ancient to the most contemporary. A museum of the world and for the world, Louvre Abu Dhabi will include pieces spanning millennia and artworks on display will originate from civilizations all over the world. Universal themes and common influences will be highlighted to illustrate similarities and exchanges arising from shared human experience, transcending geography, nationality and history.

The ‘museum city’ of Louvre Abu Dhabi will be housed in a building designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Ever aware of context, Nouvel has a falaj-inspired water system running through the museum, derived from ancient Arabian engineering. Louvre Abu Dhabi’s geometric lace dome reflects the interlaced palm leaves traditionally used as roofing material in the Emirates, and resulting in an enchanting ‘rain of light’. The roof’s complex pattern is the result of the same geometric design, repeated at various sizes and angles in eight different layers, four external and four internal, an arrangement that gives the dome a lattice-like and delicate form, reflecting the country’s constant contention with shade and light.

Museum of the world and for the world
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum developing its own permanent collection for resident, regional and international audiences with the expertise of the Agence France- Muséums. The dialogue between artworks, sculptures and objects enables visitors to discover shared influences and intriguing connections between different cultures around the globe.

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Materials provided by Ateliers Jean Nouvel