Instagrammable exhibits at Louvre Abu Dhabi you have to see
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a cultural hub and an iconic attraction in the capital emirate. If you haven’t been to this gorgeous museum yet, then this is the perfect time to plan a visit. The museum is chockfull of must-see artworks and installations from around the world. The Louvre exhibits in Abu Dhabi are spread across several galleries, with displays that can really beautify your Instagram feed. Check out some of the best.
The Most Insta-Worthy Exhibits at Lourve Abu Dhabi
Are you someone who’s always on the lookout for that perfect shot? We’re bringing you the show-stopper artworks and installations where you can get the coolest Instagrammable shots for your feed.
Horses of the Sun by Gilles Guerin (1668 – 1675)
Up your Instagram game with this glorious 350-year-old sculpture, Horses of the Sun. This artwork was commissioned in the 1660s by the Sun King, Louis XIV.
The sculpture has its own legend. According to historians, as a young king, Louis XIV wanted to associate himself with the God Apollo, who stood for the sun, peace and the arts.
Depicting a Greek God at the end of his procession on the chariot, this majestic sculpture sits in Gallery 8. Dedicated to ‘The Magnificence of the Court’ and showcases remarkable paintings and sculptures of rulers and royalty. This eye-catching sculpture that dominates the room, making it the perfect spot for a snap for the Gram.
Food for Thought – Al Muallaqat by Maha Malluh (2013)
Add an artistic flair to your Instagram account with this exhibit at Lourve Abu Dhabi. Described as a visual poem, this interesting installation is closer to home and is the work of Saudi Arabian artist Maha Malluh.
It consists of eleven burned cooking pots that were used to cook a traditional goat stew. A nod to classical Arabic poetry, these burned pots are a reminder of the stories told at mealtimes in the nomadic tradition.
The Domed Roof by Jean Nouvel
This is perhaps one of the most Instagrammable exhibits at Louvre Abu Dhabi! Explore the immense, sparkling domed roof as you begin to approach this wondrous museum-city with streets and waterways, featuring artworks inside and outside the museum.
This mesmerising roof is the work of award-winning architect Jean Nouvel, whose inspiration came from Abu Dhabi’s palm trees. The architectural marvel is made up of eight different layers, and the result of the dome’s design is 7,850 stars.
Stand underneath this roof for the full effect. As the sun passes above, the light filters through the stars to create an enchanting ‘Rain of Light’ effect. It’s similar to the dappled light that filters through the palm leaves. So, whip your phones out and click away at the most Insta-worthy location at the museum.
Leaves of Light by Giuseppe Penone (2017)
Roam underneath a star-speckled domed roof by Jean Nouvel, and you’ll stumble across another extraordinary creation by Giuseppe Penone. A life-like tree structure reaching out toward the sky steals the show.
One of the first contemporary works was commissioned for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This bronze structure is one of the most popular and Instagrammable exhibits in Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The structure is a cast of a wild cherry tree, chosen from Penone’s own home near Turin. Look closely and you’ll find the reflective steel panels inserted into the cast – that catch the light to create their own dazzling effect.
For the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jenny Holzer (2017)
This magnificent marble relief outside the museum rounds up our list of best exhibits at Louvre Abu Dhabi. A popular Instagrammable spot, the exhibit has cuneiform text (one of the oldest systems of writing) that transcribes a creation myth in Sumerian and Akkadian from a Mesopotamian tablet from 1250 BCE.
It’s one of three stone walls commissioned especially for the museum by American artist Jenny Holzer. Strike a contemplative pose in front of these impressive stone reliefs engraved with priceless historical text – and you have yourself a perfect Insta-worthy shot.
Fountain of Light by Ai Weiwei (2016)
The Fountain of Light is a staggering structure made from twisting steel and 32,400 glass crystals. A picture of this stunning piece of sparkling sculpture by Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei can be an attention grabber on social media.
While this version of the sculpture was made and adapted for the Louvre Abu Dhabi, it’s actually based on an earlier version Weiwei made in 2007 for Liverpool which, in turn, was based on an unbuilt structure from nearly a century ago, Tatlin Tower in 1919.
The 2,000-kilogram structure with 150 lights sits in the last gallery of the museum – a spectacular end to your museum experience. The striking installation has an intriguing history behind it – and can add som bling to your Instagram feed.
A Chinese Scene by Jean Baptiste Pillement (1765 – 1767)
Speaking of Instagrammable Louvre exhibits, A Chinese Scene by Jean-Baptiste Pillement depicts a serene Eastern Asian garden with three characters that appear to be in a rite of devotion.
A Young Emir Studying by Osman Hamdi Bey (1878)
This ethereal art piece was made in 1878 by the iconic Ottoman artist Osman Hamdi Bey. The painting shows a young Emir busy in studies seemingly in his grand palace with an impressive interior. Osman Hamdi Bey is known for his aesthetic sense and his artistic mannerism for curating imaginary scenes such as the Young Emir Studying.
What to Know Before Visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi museum is a large area to cover. Make sure to arrive early to make the most of your visit.
- The galleries of the museum are numbered so that visitors can easily navigate through the museum in sequence and appreciate the whole museum experience
- There are multimedia guides available at the museum which guide visitors through galleries and explain the artefacts
- Carry a valid ID with you to collect the multimedia guide
- Alternatively, if you want to learn more about the artefacts from an expert, you can rely on tour guides — available for an extra cost
- Check the Louvre Abu Dhabi website for upcoming tours and availability. Purchase all tours and workshops online 72 hours before your visit
- There are wheelchairs and strollers available for loan at the museum so that everyone can enjoy the experience
- Got extra items you don’t want to lug around the museum? There are lockers in the main hall of the museum to store any items safely.
FAQs
How much are the Louvre Abu Dhabi Tickets?
While you can buy tickets on-site, we recommend purchasing them online to avoid long queues. This will be helpful especially if the little ones are coming along. Make sure you select the right date when purchasing tickets online. Let’s look at the Louvre Abu Dhabi entry fees.
- General Admission: AED 60
- Ages from 13 to 22-years-old: AED 30
- Auditorium/Workshop Ticket Holder: AED 30
- UAE Teachers: AED 30
- UAE Military: AED 30
Is the Al Hosn App “Green Status” required to enter Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum?
To keep everyone safe and offer a great experience for all, you will need a “Green Status” on Al Hosn App.
What are the Louvre Abu Dhabi opening hours?
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is open on all days except for Monday, so bear in mind when planning your visit. Here are the Louvre Abu Dhabi timings.
- Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday): 10:00 am – 06.30 pm (last entry at 05:30 pm)
What is the Louvre Abu Dhabi location?
The museum is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. There are plenty of ways to get to the museum, so you won’t miss out on seeing the stunning artwork and installations. Looking to take a bus to the museum? The public bus route 94 stops at Louvre Abu Dhabi (Saadiyat Island).
How to get to Louvre Abu Dhabi from Dubai?
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Downtown Dubai and the best way to approach the museum is by car. When approaching from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, take the Saadiyat Island/Yas Island exit on Sheikh Khalifa Road (E11).
Drive through the Yas Highway to the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. You’ll find road signs off the highway to the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. Free parking is available at the location, although valet parking is available near the drop-off area for additional charges.
What is the Louvre Abu Dhabi contact?
You can get in touch with Louvre Abu Dhabi through phone and email.
- Call: +971-600-56-55-66 | Email: contact@louvreabudhabi.ae
This concludes our guide to the mesmerising Louvre exhibits. There’re plenty of galleries to explore with ancient and contemporary art. So, don’t forget to explore other amazing exhibits too.
And if you’re not, you can still step up your Instagram game with other jaw-dropping sculptures and paintings. The upcoming Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences is another spectacular project with a wealth of attractions and opulent homes.
Fallen in love with the city? Take a look at some of the best residential areas for families in Abu Dhabi. You can also discover the city’s best attractions as well such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi.
