Travel & Leisure

A universal museum

Expected for 2012, the opening of the first Arab World museum created as a universal museum is due to November 11th, on Saadiyat Island. Behind this amazing project, a $1 billion agreement with France who undertake to bring its expertise, masterpieces and exhibitions during 30 years. If the Louvre Abu Dhabi's ambition is to "reflect the common history of mankind through its cultures and civilizations", for the city, the challenge is considerable : becoming a main place for tourism but also residence. In the medium term, other structures are expected : concert halls by Zaha Hadid, golf courses, the Zayed National Museum supported by the British Museum and created by Norman Foster but also a Contemporary Art Museum supported by the New York Guggenheim Museum ! As usual, Abu Dhabi sees large and prepares a new era after the oil age.

A city-museum

Quite concern to fuse in the local culture, Jean Nouvel created a genuine Médina covered with a huge silver dome. Here, the visitors can walk through spaces overlooking the sea, under the dome made of more than 8 000 stars made of metal for a "shower of light" effect.



As for the exhibitions, it will start with masterpieces coming from remote geographic areas. Then, throughout the galleries, you will discover a chronological and thematic path, from the first illustrated representations of Bactria Princess produced in Central Asia at the end of the 3rd millennium before J.-C. to the first great empires, starting with the ancient Egypt and the sarcophagus of Princess Henoutlaouy. You will also admire the first French loans masterpieces, including "La Belle Ferronnière" by Leonardo da Vinci (Paris Louvre Museum), "Bonaparte Crossing the Alps" by Jacques-Louis David (Versailles) and an self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh (Orsay Museum).