We've heard rumors for years about the Louvre opening up an outpost in Abu Dhabi, and we've anxiously been awaiting to find out when we'll finally be able to check out the new museum.
While we don't have a date quite yet, an opening is imminent, and the French ambassador to the UAE gave the new structure his seal of approval earlier this week.
On a visit to the site, the ambassador Tweeted photos showing progress. "Amazed by progress made by great teams working 24/7 on the @LouvreAbuDhabi 1st Universal Museum of the Century! Opening soon! @FranceEmirats," he wrote, posting photos along with the message.
Amazed by progress made by great teams working 24/7 on the @LouvreAbuDhabi 1st Universal Museum of the Century! Opening soon! @FranceEmiratspic.twitter.com/1FF4HM1tIU
- Ludovic Pouille (@ludovic_pouille) August 21, 2017
According to The National, the photos show "the museum's exterior, including its 7,000-tonne dome, which shelters many of the museum's gallery spaces while creating a micro-climate for its internal plaza areas.
"They also show the Louvre Abu Dhabi's concrete beach, whose steps have been designed to act as an amphitheatre-like public gathering space and viewing platform, just opposite the main museum complex.
The ambassador's final photo shows the museum's vast temporary exhibition space, which has been purpose-built to house travelling exhibitions and shows."
While an opening date has yet to be confirmed, the new museum will be ready for the public before the end of the year!