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What is more exciting than spending your weekend in the Louvre Abu Dhabi art museum? It was almost one month ago my friends and I were enjoying the beautiful paintings in this museum which is surrounded by water. Some of the most popular paintings of the Louvre Museum include La Belle Ferronnière, Napoleon Crossing the Alps, and the Whistler’s Mother. Stay with DoJoin if you are wondering about the Louvre Abu Dhabi paintings list, tickets, and important information.
What Is So Special about the Louvre Museum in Abu Dhabi?
When you hear the name of the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi, you will probably think of its unique structure: a giant metallic dome that is surrounded by water and covers some differently shaped white buildings. This was my impression when I saw this building for the first time. The Louvre Museum is located in the Saadiyat district and was designed by the French award-winning architect Jean Nouvel. Then it was opened to the public in 2017.
The metallic dome which is somehow the Louvre museum symbol, is comprised of 7850 stars that are layered on top of each other, creating this stunning appearance.
But the thing is, it is not just the architecture that is special about this museum. There is some eye-catching art and paintings you have probably never seen before. Some art, such as “The Portrait of Unknown Lady,” “The Portrait of Napoleon,” and “La Gare Saint-Lazare,” make this museum an exciting option.
Below, we will introduce and explain more about the Louvre Abu Dhabi collection and its paintings.
Important Information about the Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi provides you with twenty galleries which take you through twelve chronological chapters. So you feel like you are traveling through different centuries of world civilization.
If you are going there with your kids, we have some good news for you. The Louvre Museum also provides you with a special section for children. In this dedicated section, your children are free to use their interactive aids to distinguish the various layers of history.
Here is a quick review of the important information you need to have before heading to the Louvre Museum:
| Website | https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/ |
| Phone Number | +971 600 565566 |
| Location | https://maps.app.goo.gl/scVY6awscgx9jrG29 |
| Address | Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates |
| Suggested Duration | 2 hours |
| The best time to visit | Mornings |
| Opening Hours | Weekdays: 10 AM to 6:30 PM
Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 8 PM |
| Louvre Abu Dhabi ticket price (Avg) | $17.15 |
| Must-see painting | The Portrait of Napoleon Bonaparte |
Famous Paintings in Louvre Abu Dhabi
So we are finally going to answer the question that first came to your mind: What are the most famous paintings in Louvre Abu Dhabi?
Here is a detailed review of the must-see paintings of this museum:
1. The Good Samaritan, Jacob Jordaens, 1615 – 1616
This painting is one of the most popular masterpieces that portrays one of the most dramatic Bible stories known as “The Good Samaritan”. In this painting, a rich man with fine clothes is helping wounded and attacked travelers who were left alone by robbers. This act shows kindness and compassion. The way that the injured traveler leans forward like he is coming out of the painting, makes viewers feel they are part of the scene. It also makes them think about their values.
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 185.5 cm x 173 cm
2. The Bezique Game, Gustave Caillebotte, 1880
In this painting, Caillebotte tries to turn a simple card game (which is a common theme in flemish art) into something more important, such as a history painting. He is very successful in doing this because the painting makes the viewer feel there is something bigger than a simple card game in this game. Gustave Caillebotte was a very active member of the Impressionist movement. Because of that, not only did he participate in most of the Impressionist movements, but he also collected them with his friends. It should also be noted that The Bezique Game painting was first displayed in 1882, in the seventh Impressionist exhibition.
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 125.3 cm x 165.6 cm x 3.4 cm
3. Count Corfiz Anton Ulfeldt in an Ottoman Interior, Jean-Etienne Liotard, 1740 – 1741
In this painting, Jean-Etienne Liotard tries to highlight the differences between different materials in the clothing worn by this Habsburg Empire ambassador in painting. Liotard traveled to Constantinople in 1783, where is lived for five years. Of course, this painting shows his unique style, inspired by oriental miniatures. The Habsburg Empire ambassador, as portrayed in this painting, saw himself as the symbol of European sophistication. He is shown in a Turkish setting while holding his letter of accreditation signed by Sultan Mahmut l.
- Medium: gouache and watercolor over a pencil drawing on parchment
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 31.3 cm x 22.7 cm
4. Esther Fainting Before Ahasuerus, Jean-François De Troy, 1730
The Esther Fainting Before Ahasuerus is another masterpiece inspired by one of the dramatic stories in the Bible. Jean-François De Troy portrays a biblical story in a decorative style, with so much focus on the details of materials, expressions, and individual bodies. It is worth mentioning that this painting is based on Venetian painters. To provide more details about the story of the painting, it is good to know that a young Jewish called Esther, begs her husband, the king of Persia to save her people and reveal that they are Jewish. Then Ahasuerus, his husband, reverses his orders and decides to punish those who had advised him.
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 227 cm x 180 cm x 16.5 cm
5. In Fontainebleau Forest: Pines and Birch Trees in the Rocks, Camille Corot, 1845 – 1850
The location of this painting “In Fontainebleau Forest” is near Paris, which became more popular for walkers and artists after the railway opened there in 1849. The painting of this location is specific for its unique conifers and rock formations. Camille Corot is among those artists who were interested in this location after the opening of the railway. Plus, Camille Corot uses brushstrokes to shape rocks, trees, and pines. Also, there are only a few details in this painting to show scale and add depth. Through light and shadow, Corot tries to capture the shapes and character of the landscape. He has done this job using colors that stand out on their own, showing the modernity of his approach.
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 55 cm x 40.5 cm x 1.5 cm
6. The Bohemian, Edouard Manet, 1862 – 1867
It might sound interesting to you, that Edouard Manet first painted the young man with his family (The Gypsies), but then he decided to focus only on the man and the main idea: a young, confident Gypsy man who seems like he challenges the viewer. The bent wrist of this young man symbolizes Renaissance art, which gives the painting a sense of nobility. His tattered clothes were not liked by some of the critics in 1863. His clothes, which include yellow, red, blue, and white stand out boldly against the blue sky, and maybe this is the reason critics did not like it much. Another important point about this Gipsy young man is, that although he looks poor, you can feel his independence and freedom in the painting.
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 90.5 cm x 55.5 cm x 2.5 cm
7. Virgin and Child, Giovanni Bellini, 1480 – 1485
This painting is a great example of the early Venetian Renaissance and the brilliant art of Giovanni Bellini. Of course, the date that is mentioned above is an approximate date, and it is said the painting is from the early 1480s. The interesting point here is, that oil painting at that time was a totally new technique, and set Venice apart from the other art centers. You should note that the Virgin and Child painting is not like the other Madonna and Child paintings, because of its special gestures, graceful faces, rich colors, and detailed drawings. There is also another interesting point about this masterpiece: instead of a usual landscape, Bellini preferred to use a black background, so the other colors were made more intense and bold.
- Medium: oil on wood panel
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 109 cm x 85 cm
8. Untitled I-IX, Cy Twombly, 2008
Did you know that writing and painting started from the same act of rhythm, without a specific meaning or images? This is especially true for the Untitled I-IX painting, in which an emotional rhythm is seen. This rhythm which is also called “emotional calligraphy”, expresses the unique and pure sense of the artistic experience and also the vastness of the see. This painting which is located in the Louvre Museum of Abu Dhabi, invites the viewers to feel the emotions of discovering different civilizations.
- Medium: acrylic on canvas
- Classification: graphic arts
- Dimensions: 274 x 146 cm (untitled l)
9. Osman Hamdi Bey, A Young Emir Studying, 1878
One of the most well-known paintings by renowned Ottoman painter, archeologist, and museum curator Osman Hamdi Bey is “A Young Emir Studying” (1878). His distinct style, which combines Western methods with subjects from Ottoman culture, is evident in the picture. The Young Emir Studying painting by Osman Hamdi Bey demonstrates the significance of the Orientalist movement in art history. The artwork “A Young Emir Studying” exemplifies the academic and cultural pursuits of the Ottoman aristocracy in the late 1800s.
10. Paul Gauguin, Children Wrestling, 1888
“Children Wrestling” (1888) by Paul Gauguin is an important work from the time he was beginning to develop his distinct post-Impressionist style, which is characterized by powerful lines, vibrant colors, and symbolic significance. The Children Wrestling painting by Paul Gaugin illustrates the artist’s Post-Impressionist influence and explains why the French avant-garde really admired him. Gauguin’s unconventional use of color, which functions in a synthetic way, is seen in this picture.
- Size: approximately 26 cm x 36 cm
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Style: post-impressionism
Must-See Sculptures & Artifacts in the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Here we have provided a brief list of must-see sculptures and statues of the Louvre Abu Dhabi:
- Bactrian Princess (Late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BCE): This little yet magnificent statue depicts a sitting woman from Central Asia known as a Bactrian Princess.
- Head of Buddha (5th–6th century CE): This peaceful and exquisitely carved Buddha head from Northern India is a symbol of the Gupta Empire’s artistic and spiritual accomplishments.
- Sarcophagus of the Spouses (6th century BCE): This clay tomb, an Etruscan masterpiece, shows a man and lady lounging on a banquet couch.
- The Mari Statue (circa 2400 BCE): One of the oldest pieces in the collection, this enormous statue of a man—possibly a monarch or deity—comes from the ancient city of Mari in modern-day Syria.
- Winged Dragon (8th century BCE): The winged dragon on this Assyrian relief symbolizes the mythical animals that were thought to guard temples and palaces.
Enjoy the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi with DoJoin
Excited to go and see the Louvre Abu Dhabi for yourself? No worry! DoJoin team has made it easy to go there and enjoy the eye-catching paintings and artworks out there. Just take a minute to visit our website, and see which Louvre Abu Dhabi ticket suits your needs best. The DoJoin website also helps you find other tickets for different advantages. So do not hesitate, and plan a beautiful weekend in the Louvre Abu Dhabi for you and your family.
What Are the Exhibitions Inside?
Here is another question about the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi: What exhibitions are inside the Louvre Museum? Continue reading to find out about this important exhibition in the museum which will continue till June 2025:
- Picturing the Cosmos (July 18, 2023 – June 2025): this especially suits you if you have kids with yourself, because this exhibition bridges the gap between children and art. Generally, this exhibition is designed to explore the familiar aspects of space for children.
How to Get to the Louvre Museum?
You have three options on the table to choose from if you do not know how to get to the Louvre Abu Dhabi:
- Via Bus: Ride bus #94 to the Saadiyat Island station of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
- Via Automobile: If you are arriving by car from Abu Dhabi City, go toward Zayed Port (Mena Zayed) and follow the directions to Yas Island. From there, take the Sheikh Khalifa Bridge to Saadiyat Island. To get to the Cultural District, take the route off Sheikh Khalifa Highway E12. The museum may be reached by taking the first exit after the bridge.
- Via Taxi: There are designated drop-off and pick-up locations in front of the museum’s main entrance if you intend to go by taxi.
Best Dining at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Eating is probably the first thing you are going to need after spending more than 2 hours in the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi.
Here are three popular dining you can choose from for eating at the Louvre Museum:
- Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi: The Louvre Abu Dhabi now serves top-notch French cuisine thanks to Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi. Under the direction of chef Pierre Gagnaire, who is a Michelin star, the restaurant serves superb cuisine that combines traditional French fare with modern and cosmopolitan flavors.
- Aptitude Café: Aptitude Café provides the ideal blend of delicious food and stunning city views. You may relax, mingle, and take interesting pictures of the museum.
- Café Museum: Situated at the center of the museum, the Museum Café offers a lively area for you to rest and recharge while you’re there.
FAQs
1. Which piece of art in the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the most expensive?
Leonardo da Vinci’s “Salvator Mundi,” which is said to be the most expensive painting in the world (given $450.3 million in 2017), is the most expensive painting in the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
2. Is Louvre Abu Dhabi free for kids?
Yes and no. Children between 13 to 22 years receive half-price tickets, and children under 13 can receive the Louvre Abu Dhabi free entry.
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