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 visited this gorgeous museum yet, now is the perfect time to plan a visit. The venue is chock-full of must-see artworks and installations from around the world. The Louvre exhibits in Abu Dhabi are spread across several galleries, featuring displays that can truly enhance your Instagram feed. Check out some of the best.
The Most Insta-Worthy Exhibits at Louvre 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 at Louvre Abu Dhabi, where you can get the coolest Instagrammable shots for your feed.
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 depicts a young Emir engaged in studies, presumably in his grand palace, which boasts an impressive interior. Osman Hamdi Bey is known for his aesthetic sense and artistic mannerisms in curating imaginary scenes, such as “The Young Emir Studying.”
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 approach this wondrous museum-city, complete with streets and waterways, featuring artworks both 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 out your phones and click away at the most Insta-worthy locations at the museum.
Monument of Victor Hugo
Up your Instagram game with this glorious Monument of Victor Hugo by the Contemporary artist Auguste Rodin. The sculpture was commissioned in 1889 and was intended to be placed in the Panthéon in Paris. This eye-catching sculpture 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 Louvre 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 serve as a poignant reminder of the stories told at mealtimes in the nomadic tradition.
JACOB’S JOURNEY (1565-1570)
One of the top exhibits to photograph in Louvre Abu Dhabi is Jacob’s Journey by Jacopo Bassano. It stands out for its vivid storytelling through art. While inspired by a biblical narrative, the focus shifts to the stunning portrayal of animals, figures and elaborate clothing.
This Renaissance masterpiece captivates with its rich colours, expressive brushwork and detailed composition, making it a visual feast for art lovers and a must-snap moment for anyone exploring 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. It is one of the must-see art pieces at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
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, situated outside the museum, concludes our list of the 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 created 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 inspired by an unbuilt structure from nearly a century ago, the Tatlin Tower of 1919.
The 2,000-kilogram structure, featuring 150 lights, sits in the last gallery of the museum – a spectacular finale to your museum experience. The striking installation has an intriguing history behind it, and can add some 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.
What to Know Before Visiting Louvre Abu Dhabi
- The Louvre Abu Dhabi museum is a large area to cover. Please arrive early to make the most of your visit.
- The galleries of the museum are numbered, allowing visitors to easily navigate through the museum in sequence and appreciate the entire experience.
- Multimedia guides are available at the museum, guiding visitors through the galleries and explaining 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.
- Wheelchairs and strollers are available for loan at the museum, allowing everyone to 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 for storing 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. Ensure you select the correct date when buying tickets online. Let’s look at the Louvre Abu Dhabi entry fees.
- General Admission: AED 65 per person
- UAE Teachers: AED 30
- UAE Military: AED 30
- Workshop ticket holder: AED 35
- Complimentary for under 18 years old and Journalists
What are the Louvre Abu Dhabi opening hours?
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is open every day except Monday, so please bear this 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 Bin Zayed International 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. However, valet parking is also available near the drop-off area for an additional charge.
What is the Louvre Abu Dhabi contact?
You can contact Louvre Abu Dhabi by phone or email.
- Call: +971-600-56-55-66 | Email: contact@louvreabudhabi.ae
This concludes our guide to the mesmerising Louvre exhibits. There are numerous galleries to explore, featuring both ancient and contemporary art. So, don’t forget to explore other amazing exhibits too. There are other spectacular museums in Abu Dhabi that you can explore besides the Louvre.
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, such as Ferrari World and Warner Bros. Abu Dhabi.
