While enjoying the artifacts don't miss out on the stunning flooring, walls, ceilings and furniture of each gallery
Abu Dhabi - The tours are delivered by mediators around the galleries and take roughly 45-minutes each.
Published: Fri 10 Nov 2017, 4:08 PM
Updated: Sun 12 Nov 2017, 9:53 AM
After an ambitious ten-year journey, Louvre Abu Dhabi, the new historical landmark of the UAE Capital, is ready to welcome its first public visitors on Saturday.
As the museum in itself is an awe-inspiring structure, here are some tips and guidelines to help you make the most out of your Louvre experience.
Take guided tours
As much as one enjoys roaming freely around the museum and discovering artworks on their own, the guided tours in Louvre Abu Dhabi are essential.
These tour guides actually explain the artworks, their historical backgrounds and significance to their era as well as our own, through the entire 12 chapter journey, making the experience not only more enlightening and flavourful, but also educational.
The tours are delivered by mediators around the galleries and take roughly 45-minutes each.
Follow the numbers
The easiest way to navigate through the 23 galleries is to follow the unique numbers that you will find on each gallery wall. Galleries are divided into 12 chapters, each chapter indicating an era in history.
It's pretty cold inside
Before making your way down to the museum, don't forget to bring a sweater and a scarf with you. The galleries are set at a relatively cool temperature to protect the precious artefacts.
Check out the unique floors
While enjoying the artifacts don't miss out on the stunning flooring, walls, ceilings and furniture of each gallery. These surfaces were specially designed by Jean Nouvel, and they reinforce the palatial dimensions of the museum. The floor pacing is made of stone modules framed in bronze, and throughout the galleries, the choice of stone responds to the period of the artworks on show.
Be mindful
After all, you are at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, so be mindful of other visitors and the artworks themselves.
Museums are meant to be a calming place, that provide a learning and memorable experience, so keep the noise outside, turn your phone silent, and do not eat or drink while touring the works - there is a cafe located outside the galleries.
Photography
Pictures may speak a thousand words, but not when it comes to being surrounded by pieces of artworks that are thousands of years old. Turn your camera flash off!
Workshops
There are educational workshops in the Permanent Galleries, as well as the Art Studio. Families and children can take part in the workshops, which offer visitors a chance to learn about Louvre Abu Dhabi and its marvelous collection, as well as inspire the next generation.
There will be six workshops held this Saturday, with a duration time of 45-90 minutes each.
Children's Museum
The museum dedicated for youngsters was specifically designed for children from 6-12 years of age. The engaging museum allows children to discover and enhance their curiosity, while also teaches them about the museum spaces and its environment.
Take your time
And finally, take your time. The museum is not a place to rush in and out of. You will need roughly two hours to enjoy each of the 12 chapters to truly appreciate the artworks.
The museum is an architectural statement of land, construction and sea, so it's vital to look beyond the artworks, to discover and feel the essence of the structure, which took ten years to come to life - the museum itself is a masterpiece that is now home to these historical gems.
Souvenir shopping
Don't forget to stop at the la boutique gift shop to grab a souvenir of your first visit to the Arab world's first Universal Museum.
Love Abu Dhabi's Restaurant and Cafe:
Before you dash out, what about a coffee or a quick bite at a restaurant or café designed by none other than Jean Nouvel? It is no ordinary restaurant but made up of modular compartments and with intricate interior design drawing inspiration from Arabic patterns that have been engraved into Corian panels. Meanwhile, the cafe was inspired by the Op Art movement of the 1960s and its interiors are a riot of colours.
How to get there
From Abu Dhabi: Take Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway (E12), which can be accessed from Corniche Road or Hamdan bin Mohammed Street or Zayed the First Street. Take exit right after Sheikh Khalifa Bridge to the museum.
From Dubai: Start on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) and take Abu Dhabi-Shahama Road (E10). Switch to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway and take exit before Sheikh Khalifa Bridge.
Taxi from Abu Dhabi city will cost between Dh30 and Dh40
Bus to catch: Number 192 and 193
Timings: 10am to 10 pm (Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday) and 10 am to 11 pm (Thursday and Friday).
Museum remains closed on Monday.
For further query call 600565566 or mail to contact@louvreabudhabi.ae
Handy tips
>Free Wi-Fi inside 97,000sq.m. area of museum
>Main hall got cloakrooms and lockers to leave yyour stuff
>There is an ATM in ticketing lobby
>Strollers and wheelchairs available in main hall
>Valet parking service is available. Free parking is available outside.
jasmine@khaleejtimes.com
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