18 Facts About the New Louvre Abu Dhabi

The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi was recently confirmed, after an official announcement by top officials in the Capital this week. 

Set to open its doors on November 11th 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will allow 'the world to see itself in this museum', as said by Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Chairman of the Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).

SEE ALSO: The construction of the Louvre Abu Dhabi in pictures

Ahead of the grand opening of the highly anticipated addition to Abu Dhabi's and the United Arab Emirate's cultural position in the world, here's 18 fun facts about the museum, its story and what has exactly gone into building the spectacular attraction. 

1. The huge floating dome weighs approximately 7,500 tonnes

Which is the same weight as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France!

2. There is a total of 7,850 stars that make the geometric structure

Each one is of a various size and angle, intertwined in a total of eight different cladding layers. 

3. Four of the outer layers are clad in stainless steel

While the four inner layers are clad in aluminium.

 

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May 1, 2017 at 6:20am PDT

4. The largest star is 13 metres in diameter

And it weights 1.3 tonnes!

5. The highest point of the dome is 40 metres above sea level

And the ground floor level is 36 metres above sea level.

6. Visitors can explore 55 detached buildings

And 23 of these are devoted to galleries, which were inspired by low-lying homes of the local region.

7. There are 4 piers that support the dome

Helping to create its floating effect. Each is 110 metres apart, and hidden within the museum building. 

8. The diameter of the dome's base is 180 metres

Which will provide ample shade and relief from the desert sun for visitors.

 

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Feb 19, 2017 at 11:42pm PST

9. A total of 120 scaffoldings were used during construction

10. The lifting weight capacity of the super-sized crane used during construction is 1,600 tonnes

And the tallest height of the crane is 230 metres.

11. The number of trucks used to transport the crane is 90

12. The Louvre Abu Dhabi's galleries will tell the story of humanity in 12 inspiring chapters

And each chapted will focus on shared themes and ideas to reveal common connections throughout humanity. 

13. There will be 4 temporary exhibitions per year

They will shed light on the unique collaboration between Abu Dhabi and France, and will be organised and created by 13 French museum partners.

 

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Sep 25, 2016 at 2:12am PDT

14. The Children's Museum will target kids aged between 6 and 12 years old 

And will be an ideal place to visit for school groups and families. 

15. The origins of Louvre Abu Dhabi date back to 2007

When France and the United Arab Emirates came together to develop a new kind of cultural institution. 

16. The Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of three museums on Saadiyat Island

The other two set to be built are the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.

17. The underground service tunnel that will connect all 3 museums will be over 1km in length

And will provide residents and tourists alike an easy route to visit all three outstanding attractions.

18. Abu Dhabi's history spans as far back as 7,000 years

And the Louvre Abu Dhabi hopes to emphasise the conservation and heritage of the cultural traditions of the emirate.