Construction work on the Louvre Abu Dhabi is progressing as scheduled, according to the developer behind the museum.
The Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) chairman Ali Al Mansoori says he is pleased with the progress being made at the museum following an inspection at the site.
Mr Al Mansoori was given a tour to oversee the project alongside the Arabtec chairman Mohamed Al Rumaithi. Arabtec is leading a consortium that is building the museum under a $653 million contract awarded early in 2013.
The museum is due for completion by the end of the year.
Arabtec is building the Louvre Abu Dhabi alongside its joint venture partners Constructora San Jose and Oger Abu Dhabi. It is one of three museums planned for Saadiyat Island designed by “starchitects”, with the others being Sir Norman Foster’s Zayed National Museum and Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Mr Al Mansoori and Mr Al Rumaithi inspected advanced cladding work that has been taking place in recent months. There are 4,680 pieces being fitted – 3,821 of which are unique in shape and size.
These will help to contribute to the “rain of light” effect coming into the building from its huge main dome – part of a design by the French architecture firm Ateliers Jean Nouvel.
“Louvre Abu Dhabi’s unique architecture sets it apart, and with interest growing daily for this world-class cultural institution, the museum will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s drive to become a global destination of choice once it officially opens to the public,“ Mr Al Mansoori said.
mfahy@thenational.ae
Follow The National's Business section on Twitter
