Qasr Al Watan + Louvre Abu Dhabi

Nestled in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan is a presidential palace that was recently opened to the public. One of the finest examples of Arabic architecture and craftsmanship, the palace's design signifies its heritage and its future vision. The palace has its own library with books on a wide range of subjects including archeology, history, heritage, memoirs, biographies, human and social sciences, statistics, administration, culture, literature, arts, etc. It also has its own gift shops; one at the Visitors Center and the other at the palace building. Stay back for the exciting ‘Palace in Motion’ show, a spectacular 15-minute exposition that portrays the story of Qasr Al Watan with the aid of light and sound effects. Projected onto the palace, you will learn all about Qasr Al Watan and UAE’s history in three acts, the past, present, and future in an exciting manner.

The Louvre comprises of 55 detached building housing art galleries, a children's museum, an exhibition, a boutique gift shop, a restaurant, and a café. Make your way through each segment of the museum with this ticket.

Museum Galleries & Exhibitions
The 12 museum galleries are chronologically arranged in an inspiring manner, narrating the story of humanity with an artistic filter. Through an incredible collection of art installations, each of these 12 chapters unveils commonalities that have existed through the history of humanity.

Louvre further hosts 4 temporary exhibitions every year. These exhibitions are the result of a unique collaboration between Abu Dhabi and France. In partnership with 13 French Museum partners, Louvre Abu Dhabi will bring together exemplary art for visitors of the Middle East. Make sure to check out the children’s museum, which hosts an array of family-focused exhibitions and interactive workshops in both English and Arabic. 'Experiential learning' is at the core of the Children's Museum and the aim is to inspire young minds by imbibing artistic techniques and ideas to their thinking patterns.

There are also occasional education workshops held in the permanent galleries and art studio. If you are interested in learning in detail about the remarkable collections, you can hop by for one.

Boutique Souvenir Store & Restaurants
However small it may be, grab a souvenir from the snug boutique shop on your way out to cherish this visit to the first Arabian Universal Museum. Rest your tired legs and contemplate the art you just witnessed over coffee and a plate of sumptuous bites before you leave the premises. The eateries are designed by Jean Nouvel himself and are nothing short of extraordinary.

Sights Covered

Isis Lactans Group | Virgin and Child | Bactrian Princess | Funeral Set of Princess Henuttawy | Statue of Alexander the Great | Dancing Shiva | Leaf from the Blue Qur’an | Head of Buddha | Madonna and the Child | Portrait of a Woman | The Belvedere Apollo | Horses of the Sun | Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger | The Good Samaritan | Young Mother Playing a Samisen | Game of Bezique | Equestrian Portrait of Maharao Sheodan | Oriental Bliss | Fountain of Light