When I first stepped onto Saadiyat Island and saw the elegant silhouette of the Louvre Abu Dhabi against the sea, it felt like I had entered a surreal dream – a blend of Arabic poetry, minimalism, and French sophistication. And of course, like any experience worth living, it deserves to be shared not just as a museum visit, but as a journey – with feelings, images, and the discovery of yourself through art.

Here’s my inner look: how I wandered between the exhibits, caught rainbow reflections of light, and searched for inspiration for my soul and my blog.

First impression: architecture as the heart of the museum

Here, it’s not just about seeing the museum – it’s about feeling it. Architect Jean Nouvel created not just a building, but an atmosphere: 55 white pavilions scattered across the island, like little islands of memory, all sheltered under a vast dome that seems to float above the sea.

The dome is a true engineering wonder: an eight- layered structure of steel and aluminum, its shapes inspired by starry patterns. As sunlight filters through, it creates a delicate “rain of light”– shimmering reflections on walls, floors, and water surfaces that turn the interior into a living gallery of light and shadow.
Walking through the courtyards and pathways, I felt as though I was wandering inside a poem: every ray, every ripple of water set the rhythm of my steps.

Moments worth remembering

✨ Rain of light. When a sunbeam passes through the dome and reflects on the water – it’s a moment you want to hold onto forever.

✨ Silence between halls. Not the noise of crowds, but a gentle echo of space – it gives you time to pause, reflect, and breathe.

✨ Contrasts of old and new. When an ancient vase stands beside a contemporary installation, you feel the timeless thread connecting them.

✨ Harmony with nature. White pavilions, water canals, and greenery create the sense of a “museum within a landscape,” not a “museum- box.”

A journey through centuries: the collection as a story

The Louvre Abu Dhabi impresses not only with its permanent collection but also with how it creates new stories through temporary exhibitions. And the upcoming 2025-2026 season is exactly that: rich, inspiring, and truly grand.

📌 September 2025 – January 2026
The season opens with “The Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire.” It’s not just the story of a dynasty that ruled from the 13th to 16th centuries, but a journey through a time when East and West exchanged culture, art, and symbols of power. Expect rare carpets, unique objects from the Louvre’s collections, and even artifacts you’d normally only see in history books.

📌 Autumn 2025
Then comes “Art Here 2025” with the Richard Mille Art Prize. The theme is “Shadows.” Sounds intriguing already, right? Artists from the Gulf, Japan, and the MENA region will explore how light and darkness shape culture and personal stories. It promises to be deeply atmospheric – and very Instagrammable.

📌 Winter – Spring 2026
The highlight of the season will be “Picasso, the Figure.” This exhibition shows how Pablo Picasso saw and reimagined the human form. Painting, sculpture, drawing – all gathered under that same dome, where the rain of light turns each gallery into magic.

Alongside these major events, the museum will host lectures, workshops, and programs for children. So if you’re planning a trip to Abu Dhabi during this time, set aside a full day for the Louvre. It will give you not just beautiful Instagram shots, but also thoughts and feelings you’ll want to take home with you.

How to prepare

👗 Dress stylishly, but thoughtfully. Light natural fabrics, pastel tones, closed shoes – and don’t forget a layer for the air-conditioned halls.

📒 Bring a small notebook or your phone- to jot down insights, sketch details, or capture moments of light.

🐢 Go slowly. Don’t try to “see it all” in one go- pause, sit down, linger by one artwork.

📷 Take photos – not just of the exhibits, but of lines, reflections, textures, and light spots.

🌅 The best time to visit is in the morning, when the light is soft and the halls are less crowded.

🎟 Buy tickets online in advance- queues can get noticeable.

Inspiring thoughts to take away

The day I left the Louvre Abu Dhabi, I already knew: this would be an article I’d want to reread. Because here, among light and shadow, ancient stones and shimmering reflections, stories are born – not just museum ones, but mine as well: personal, feminine, alive.

So if you ever find yourself in Abu Dhabi- don’t just step into the Louvre. Let the Louvre step into you.