Louvre Abu Dhabi: A Place I Had to See

I’ve wanted to visit The Louvre, Abu Dhabi, for years.

Not just as a landmark or bucket-list museum, but because I had a sense it would resonate with me on a deeper level, as an artist, and someone passionate about spaces that evoke feeling. I feel genuinely fortunate to have finally seen this modern-day icon up close and I wanted to share a few thoughts on the experience.

The building itself is very therapeutic. More than revealing the artworks, I’ll leave the magic of that discovery for you to experience yourself. While the collection may seem minimal compared to larger institutions, its impact is anything but. There's a global sensibility - a preservation of significant works from across civilisations, shown in harmony alongside rotated contemporary exhibitions.

Everything about the architecture invites you to slow down, breathe, and be fully present, qualities I aspire to capture within my own artworks. It doesn’t try to impress through dominance; instead, it impresses through poise. There’s a calming interplay of light, shadow, scale, and silence throughout the space - including living exhibits - even a turtle sanctuary has been incorporated into the grounds.

And of course, the roof itself deserves its own moment. Being underneath the vast dome and seeing the light filter through in delicate patterns is a very special experience, notably an instagram moment too, with several visitors all trying to take that special shot it seemed at any given time. It doesn’t just cover the museum, it transforms the atmosphere. You feel protected, it’s like standing inside an idea. The interplay of geometry and light comes alive. It slows you down, makes you look up, and reminds you that design can be both epic and meditative.

Inside, the curation is exceptional. Artworks are given space to breathe, allowing you to reflect fully. Ancient works sit beside modern pieces in ways that feel natural, not contrived, it all flows effortlessly. The museum holds a sense of quiet confidence, it feels inclusive - a place that’s proud of what it’s built, yet still humbly evolving.

Outside, the surrounding institutions, some still under construction, already feel iconic. This cultural district is rapidly becoming one of the most significant in The World. It’s more than just architecture; it’s a mindset and a vision, you can feel the ambition and courage, to realise imaginative ideas into physical, architectural form.

Before you leave, I’d highly recommend taking a chauffeured buggy ride around the complex. Aside from being a brilliant photo opportunity, it gives you a full view of the site and just how intentionally it's all been laid out - including glimpses of the new Guggenheim Museum under construction. It feels like an environment being fast-tracked into the future. The ambition and investment on Saadiyat Island, where the main museums and cultural institutions are located or planned, is immense - unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere in the world, just the pace of development alone is overwhelming. The new arts and culture capital of the Gulf Region is very much taking physical shape before our eyes.

Later this year, we also plan to return for the sunset kayak tour that takes you through the waterways surrounding the museum. We’ll save that for cooler weather, but it’s absolutely one for the ‘to-do’ list.

On a personal note, this was a true pinch-me moment. Finally visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi and seeing the surrounding developments in real life (not just on Google Maps!), affirmed it’s not just the right place and time for a new chapter - this is a dream environment to expand into. I’m more inspired than ever to realise my own vision and ambition for the next evolution of Charles Pedone Art: with a bold new collective of talent and a movement in luxury, contemporary art. When imagination takes physical form, it’s electrifying - and many ideas are ready to take shape. So, watch this space!