Though the Louvre Abu Dhabi doesn't officially open to the public until November 11, a group of VIPs officially inaugurated the new museum on Wednesday, including dignitaries from both the UAE and abroad.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tweeted about the historic event, writing, "Today we inaugurated the Louvre Abu Dhabi with pride. This key cultural and architectural monument is a celebration for all Arabs, bridging East and West and introducing Abu Dhabi as a bright new global cultural hub."
Today we inaugurated the Louvre Abu Dhabi with pride. This key cultural and architectural monument is a celebration for all Arabs, bridging East and West and introducing Abu Dhabi as a bright new global cultural hub. pic.twitter.com/XZ89SeSk4d
- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 8, 2017
The Louvre Abu Dhabi reminds us that our strength lies in our ability to communicate, share and learn from different global cultures. In our quest for knowledge and development, we build connections around the world. pic.twitter.com/7RCPapfZfo
- HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 8, 2017
In addition to Sheikh Mohammed, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Emmanuel Macron, President of France, were also in attendance.
Sheikh Mo also Tweeted about how important of a moment the museum's inauguration is: "Today, a global cultural monument is launched: Louvre Abu Dhabi brings together unique art icons that reflect humanity's collective genius," he wrote.
Sheikh Mo spoke to a group of Arab royals, including King Mohammad VI of Morocco, Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, Mohammad Ashraf Gani, President of Afghanistan, as well as officials from France and a number of other countries.
"The Louvre Abu Dhabi is our cultural pride – it will bring together the East and West and represents our ability to fight darkness with light; fight ignorance and intellectual extremism with artistic beauty," he said.
When the museum opens to the public on Saturday, visitors can expect a packed schedule of workshops, tours, and musical performances. Though tickets for the celebrations are sold out online, you can still score entry by buying at the door on the 11th.