Museums of Abu Dhabi
Explore the captivating and innovative cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi, a gleaming gem in the Persian Gulf. For travelers who appreciate Chicago’s beautiful museums and architectural wonders, Abu Dhabi offers cultural and architectural treasures. The city’s seamless blend of tradition and modernity is a testament to the incredible power of art, architecture, and history. While here, immerse yourself in iconic destinations that will leave a lasting impression.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is one of the Arab world’s finest museums. Its breathtaking architecture is a work of art, and like the Art Institute of Chicago, it captivates tourists before they enter.
Its web-patterned dome, created by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, features enchanting, delicate lace-like patterns that enable the desert sun’s rays to pass through, producing a dynamic ‘rain of light.’ The visual impact is reminiscent of the Art Institute’s brilliant, luminous atrium, creating an appealing dance of shadows that changes throughout the day.
The museum’s galleries have an extraordinary collection of artworks from around the globe. Visitors walking through its salons will experience a journey from ancient civilizations to current marvels, bringing art history to life from a global perspective. Notably, it holds works by prominent painters like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Pablo Picasso. The museum’s collection includes notable works from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, reflecting its worldwide perspective.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, or Grand Mosque, is an architectural masterpiece that gracefully crowns Abu Dhabi’s skyline. As the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates and the third largest globally, it can accommodate over 40,000 visitors. More than a place of prayer, the Grand Mosque is a testament to Islamic and Arabic architecture.
The mosque’s design and construction utilized craftsmen and materials from countries worldwide, including Italy, Germany, Morocco, Pakistan, India, Turkey, Malaysia, Iran, China, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Greece, and the UAE. The mosque is adorned with Greek and Macedonian marble, semi-precious stones, gold leaf accents, and delicate floral motifs in mother of pearl, and the play of light through the prayer hall’s windows punctuates its calm and serene atmosphere.
Visitors to the vast courtyard can’t help but admire its 82 sparkling domes, 1,000+ columns, and 24-carat, gold-gilded Swarovski crystal chandeliers, all while immersing themselves in the exquisite intricacies of the giant hand-knotted carpet. The mosque’s majesty is enhanced after dusk when it glimmers beneath the lunar sky.
A mainstay of Abu Dhabi, the Grand Mosque provides an essential glimpse into the rich tapestry of Islamic civilization, culture, and spirituality.
Qasr al Watan Presidential Palace
Explore Qasr Al Watan Presidential Palace, a working palace with books and manuscripts on Arab history and UAE governmental concepts.
The Palace’s design is a beautiful blend of Islamic and Arabian architectural elements, reminiscent of the meticulous craftsmanship of Chicago’s historic landmarks. Every aspect of Qasr Al Watan tells a story, from the magnificently carved ceilings to the massive halls hosting significant events. Its spectacular design entices tourists to roam the luxury hallways, stroll through the beautiful gardens, and explore grand chambers packed with antiques and manuscripts that grasp the UAE’s governing traditions and values. Visitors may participate in interactive cultural presentations, see traditional handicrafts, and peruse the Qasr Al Watan Library’s extensive collection.
Etihad Modern Art Gallery and More
For contemporary art fans, the Etihad Modern Art Gallery is a hidden jewel in the heart of Abu Dhabi, and it serves as a dynamic art center that supports local artists and embraces foreign talent. Set in a location where the unusual meets the thought-provoking, the artworks defy conventions and reinvent limits, providing a unique view of the contemporary world. Visitors can explore the museum, participate in art fairs and auctions, or unwind in the Art House Café, a delightful space adorned with fascinating artworks.
With its seminars, concerts, and exhibits, the Cultural Foundation is a flourishing hub for art, culture, and creative expression. Likewise, Warehouse421, which is in the Mina Zayed port area, is an art and design hotspot showcasing brilliant local, regional, and worldwide artists.
Abu Dhabi offers cultural riches waiting to be discovered for travelers seeking inspiration for a cultural journey. Fly in, explore, and let the city’s creative treasures make an unforgettable impression on your soul.
By Carla Sims
Getting There
Etihad Airways offers 7x weekly year-round service from ORD to Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH).
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Manarat Al Saadiyat — ‘place of enlightenment’ — is an arts and culture district presenting various concerts, seminars, and exhibits ranging from contemporary to historical retrospectives. Located on Saadiyat Island, visitors can enjoy art and culture in a relaxed setting. The district’s centerpiece, The Saadiyat Experience, is an interactive narrative about Saadiyat Island’s past and future.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is a cultural hub akin to Chicago’s Millennium Park, where art, culture, and creativity breathe life into the many events hosted there. The modern style of Manarat Al Saadiyat stands in sharp contrast to the historic architecture of the Grand Mosque and Qasr Al Watan, yet it complements Abu Dhabi’s developing character.
