Louvre Abu Dhabi will evoke an image of a city floating on water The Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) a developer of major tourism, cultural and residential destinations in Abu Dhabi, has awarded the construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi to Arabtec-led joint venture with Constructora San Jose and Oger Abu Dhabi following strong competition.
The contract valued at 2.4 billion dirhams (around $654m) signifies a major milestone in the progress of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi will evoke the image of a city floating on water with a complex of pavilions, plazas, alleyways and canals. Hovering over the complex will be a shallow dome inspired by traditional Arabic architecture.
Designed by Pritzker Architecture Prize winner Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi house 9,200 square metres of art galleries. The Permanent Gallery will house the museum's permanent collection taking the visitor through a journey from ancient to contemporary works from different civilisations. The Temporary Gallery will be a dedicated space presenting visiting exhibitions of international standards.
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and TDIC said: "The awarding of this contract confirms Abu Dhabi's commitment in developing iconic museums in the Saadiyat Cultural District, in line with the vision of President of the UAE Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, aimed at transforming the Emirates into a hub of world cultural exchange. When Louvre Abu Dhabi opens its doors, it will mark significant progress in cross-cultural dialogue through its universal themes and diverse exhibits."
Arabtec and its partners will begin construction work immediately, with the museum's concrete frame to be completed by the first quarter of 2014. Work on the geometric lace dome, will be completed by the end of 2014 and result in an enchanting “rain of light”.