The Louvre of Abu Dhabi is a “sanctuary” to great works of art but is also a work of art itself, one of the world’s urban wonders. It is fascinating architectural and engineering feat designed by French architect Jean Nouvel. Part of its uniqueness comes from the fact that it rises up off the island of Saadiyat and is surrounded by the waters of the Persian Gulf. And it is precisely to allow people to appreciate and admire the structure to its fullest that it is possible to tour around the museum in a kayak. Every day, except Monday, between 5 and 7 pm, it is possible to reserve a tour and paddle around this landmark, the centrepiece of an entire neighbourhood for an hour. A “city-museum” on the sea, made up of 55 different architectural structures, inspired by the “medina” and the low-rising homes typical of Arab architecture, especially one of its most emblematic elements - the dome. A double dome of 180 metres in diameter which knowingly plays with lights and shadow, creating, both day and night, a charming effect known as a “rain of light”. At certain times of the year, it is also possible to take the kayak tour at sunrise but only on Friday and Saturday, but also on full-moon nights as well.
From Aesop to Ibn al-Muqaffa' the wonderful thousand-year history of animals in fairy tales: a story where metaphors and teachings are handed down through the centuries and different cultures around the world.
This exhibition offers new perspectives on the research and artistic exploration of carpets and also presents the carpet as a model for understanding art and art histories in a broader sense.
Farah Al Qasimi's Toy World exhibition presents for the first time a new series of black and white photographs where the present we live in is nothing other than the prototype of future history.
Short Circuits is Vikram Divecha's first retrospective exhibition, tracing the Dubai-based artist's practice since 2013. Divecha is interested in the otherwise invisible structures of planning, construction, demolition and maintenance that shape the cities of the United Arab Emirates and beyond.