Jean Nouvel’s Louvre Abu Dhabi Photographed by Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

The much-anticipated Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, opens this week in the United Arab Emirates. The project has enormous significance as a transnational partnership between the French and Emirati governments, and is set to become a center for art and learning in the Gulf region. Located on Saadiyat Island and surrounded by the sea, the museum comprises twenty three permanent galleries and exhibition spaces, a Children’s Museum, an auditorium, and a research center – all connected together by waterfront promenades and a vast, shimmering dome.

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu

© Laurian Ghinitoiu