Louvre Abu Dhabi has reached another two major milestones in the construction of the museum: commencement of the removal of temporary sea protection walls, and the illumination of the museum’s iconic dome.
The process of removing the sea walls, and integration of the sea with the museum, will take place in three stages and result in Louvre Abu Dhabi transforming into Jean Nouvel’s vision of a ‘Museum City’ on the sea. 4,500 lights installed to the dome’s steel structure has also been completed, illuminating Louvre Abu Dhabi at night. This permanent feature is controlled by a lighting system which allows the adjustment of the level of brightness.
Louvre Abu Dhabi has been designed as a ‘museum city’ on the sea, with its series of white buildings inspired by the medina and low-lying Arab settlements. In total there are approximately 55 individual buildings making up this museum city.
The 180 meter-wide dome covers the majority of the museum city and its complex pattern is the result of a highly studied geometric design, repeated at various sizes and angles in the eight superimposed layers. Light penetrates the eight layers creating a cinematic effect as the sun’s path progresses throughout the day named the ‘rain of light’.
