construction of jean nouvel's louvre abu dhabi well underway

new images reveal pritzker-prize winning architect jean nouvel’s anticipated louvre building in abu dhabi is in its developed stages of construction. located in the heart of the saadiyat cultural district, the expressive design of the museum is defined the references to arabic culture and architecture. the geometric domed roof – measuring at 180 meters in diameter – features approximately 7,000 tonnes of steel and is supported by only four concrete piers. internally, the canopy’s intricate latticed perforations not only serves as a decorative element encouraging dappled light, but will create a microclimate without excess solar gain.

the pedestrian areas and the nested artworks are roofed by a large dome measuring at 180 meters in diameter
all images © TDIC / ateliers jean nouvel

the institution developed by the tourism and development & investment company (TDIC) will encompass 9,200 square meters of art galleries and become UAE’s first museum conveying a dialog of culture, history and openness. the permanent gallery will journey from ancient to contemporary artworks from different civilizations. additionally, the temporary gallery will be a dedicated space presenting international exhibitions enriched by loans from notable french museums including musee du louvre, musee d’orsay and center pompidou.

for designboom’s previous coverage of the ‘louvre abu dhabi’, see here and here.

the museum is located in abu dhabi’s saadiyat cultural district

cranes emerge from the construction of the lattice dome roof

the geometric dome references the interlaced palm leaves traditionally used as roofing material

the roof has four external and four internal layers, which is an arrangement that gives it its latticed delicate form

there will be 9,200 square meters of permanent galleries and 2,000 square meters reserved for temporary exhibitions

the development was born of an agreement between the respective governments of abu dhabi and france

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