Mohammed bin Zayed & Sarkozy launch Louvre Abu Dhabi

His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President Sarkozy inaugurated a preview experience of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Middle East. The event took place at Emirates Palace as part of a celebration to mark the begin of construction of the museum.

Sheikh Mohammed and President Sarkozy viewed a 90-minute film which illustrated about the design for the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, the conecpt of the Louvre Abu Dhabi and a guided tour of selected artworks specially chosen to demonstrate the curatorial vision of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum is to open in 2012/13.

Sarkozy talking at the event said “With deep admiration for the people of Abu Dhabi, and for their leaders who believe, as we do, that the arts lie at the very heart of civilisation, the Republic of France joins in celebrating this auspicious day.” He added “Together, we have embarked on an extraordinary journey of cultural exchange and collaboration and I believe that our two countries will forever be strengthened by this partnership.”

Filed under United Arab Emirates
Tagged Art, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, France, Museum, President Sarkozy of France, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.