Unprecedented outside French territories, a museum in the United Arab Emirates bearing the name "Louvre" has just opened its doors to visitors from Saadiyat Island. France's influence is finally expanding ten years after the signing of an intergovernmental contract between France and the United Arab Emirates. This free opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi took place a few weeks ago, notably on November 11, and since then, this museum has already attracted thousands of enthusiasts from all over the world, and hundreds of Abu Dhabi residents have rushed to the site to discover this museum. And this inauguration has also not left foreign visitors of various nationalities - near the metropolis or from very far away - indifferent, as they did not hesitate to travel the long way not to miss the event.
The second Louvre museum, very well embellished
Just like its counterpart, the Louvre Abu Dhabi houses around 600 fascinating objects. Beautiful masterpieces from the Emirates collection are on display, but there are also famous creations such as "Le Ghémien" by Edouard Manet. To amaze visitors during this first exhibition, several organizations in possession of art objects in the Near and Middle East were asked to loan 28 authentic pieces. Among these, the 8-year-old double-headed bust was the most valuable of these objects.
A simply breathtaking setting around the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The beautiful works of art that abound in this new museum arouse the curiosity of visitors and attract their attention, but in addition, the place is surrounded by a very modern and rather atypical atmosphere that is very attractive. The design has been meticulously worked with care down to the smallest details and the lighting is particularly adapted to the interior of the museum. The exterior of the building is as captivating as its interior. A breathtaking view of a breathtaking landscape, directly open to the sea, only enhances the charm of the place. This know-how and this original design were imagined and conceived by the French architect Jean Nouvel.
The choice of Saadiyat Island: a strategy to boost the Louvre's finances
The choice of Saadiyat Island was not random; this location was carefully chosen simply for the presence of a major tourist and cultural site. It includes an enormous dome measuring 180 meters in diameter. And 7 metal stars were installed there to capture the sun's rays and create a "rain of light" effect.
Despite the fact that French stakeholders remained suspicious of the project's five-year delay, they are finally taking some time off. The goals were ambitious: to make Abu Dhabi the cultural hub of tomorrow and foster cultural exchange. But above all, to highlight France's prestige in a strategic region to boost the Louvre's finances.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, a real challenge
This project finally came to fruition after ten years of effort and negotiations. Indeed, some in the French cultural establishment remained unsure whether this project would come to fruition, including former Louvre president Henri Loyrette, who refused to publicly defend the project, and Françoise Cachin, former director of Orsay. A petition has garnered over 5 signatures.
But the financial and architectural side also posed a major challenge in the realization of the project.
Quentin
