Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, a beacon of art and culture in the United Arab Emirates, stands as a testament to the collaboration between France and the UAE. This architectural marvel, designed by the Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, opened its doors in November 2017 as part of a cultural district on Saadiyat Island.

Merging the traditional with the contemporary, the museum's design draws inspiration from the region's ancient medina and low-lying Arab settlements. Its most striking feature is a vast silvery dome, composed of almost 8,000 unique metal stars set in a complex geometric pattern. When sunlight filters through, it creates a mesmerizing 'rain of light', akin to the overlapping palm trees in an oasis.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi's collection spans the breadth of human history, with a special focus on shared stories across civilizations. In its expansive galleries, visitors can engage with a diverse array of art and artifacts from ancient times to the present day. The museum's philosophy of universality reflects in its chronological and thematic curation, which aims to highlight cross-cultural connections.

The museum's permanent collection, along with its rotating exhibitions and public programs, are supported by the expertise of Agence France-Muséums, an organization that brings together the Louvre and 12 other French cultural institutions. This French-Emirati partnership is a cultural milestone, marking the first time a Louvre museum has been developed outside of France.

Open to the public year-round, the Louvre Abu Dhabi invites visitors to embark on a journey through time and geography. The museum offers educational workshops, guided tours, and interactive sessions, making it an enriching experience for all ages. By night, the dome's intricate pattern comes to life with an enchanting illumination, solidifying the museum's status as a luminous jewel in the UAE's cultural crown.