What A Gathering: The Official Inauguration Of The Louvre Abu Dhabi Was The Event Of The Year

The official opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is finally upon us.

Years in the making the art museum, which features works by artists Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent Van Gogh, opened to the press on Tuesday, but last night saw the official inauguration.

The event was attended by HH Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, French president Emmanuel Macron and other officials and dignitaries. 

HH Sheikh Mohammed spoke to the gathered audience

فيديو: كلمة صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم في افتتاح #متحف_اللوفر_ابوظبي pic.twitter.com/W1SuYunPvZ

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 8, 2017

“Today we inaugurated the Louvre Abu Dhabi with pride. This key cultural and architectural monument is a celebration for all Arabs, bridging East and West and introducing Abu Dhabi as a bright new global cultural hub. The dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi contains a collection of astounding art collated from various cultures over thousands of years. The light it shines beckons civilisations to come together again in this cradle of humanity. The Louvre Abu Dhabi reminds us that our strength lies in our ability to communicate, share and learn from different global cultures. In our quest for knowledge and development, we build connections around the world. Our thanks to the people of France and to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, whose vision has pushed beyond the limits of architecture and culture, consolidating Sheikh Zayed’s proud legacy of enlightenment and cultural understanding.”

HH Sheikh Mohammed

French President Emmanuel Macron was present for the inauguration

Photos: @HHShkMohd, @MohamedBinZayed, & French President @EmmanuelMacron along with leaders of Arab & friendly countries attend the inauguration of #LouvreAbuDhabi . pic.twitter.com/HLVikpdVWB

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 8, 2017

In case you missed it, the building is designed to incorporate natural light

It’s officially open to the public this Saturday 11

Follow this link to get all the information about the incredible opening weekend extravaganza