Abu Dhabi museums, cultural sites to open for public

Roshin George

DUBAI

A select number of museums and cultural sites in Abu Dhabi are preparing to welcome visitors from June 24 onwards, according to the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

Among the sites are Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Cultural Foundation’s exhibition and Artists in Residence studio. Outdoor sites such as Al Ain Oasis outdoor areas, Qasr Al Muwaiji, Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Palace Museum will be reopening too. Health and safety guidelines and precautionary measures will be strictly implemented in the sites.

Saood Al Hosani, Acting Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said the decision will “accelerate a return to ‘normal’ life in the emirate”.

“Our cultural sites will help to heal and alleviate any accumulated stress that might have built up over the ‘lockdown’ period, as we believe that art and culture have the power to help people come together and heal,” he said. 

For Qasr Al Hosn and Louvre Abu Dhabi, tickets will have to be booked online. Most cultural sites will now be open from 10am to 7pm (2pm to 7pm on Fridays); Louvre Abu Dhabi will have opening hours from 10 am to 6.30 pm daily, except on Mondays when it remains closed. Children’s museum will remain closed, however.

Visitors to Louvre Abu Dhabi can see, apart from its world-class collection, the international exhibition “Furusiyya: The Art of Chivalry between East and West”, from July 1 to October 18, 2020.

The Cultural Foundation’s three exhibitions — The Red Palace, Common Ground and Step into a Story — can all be visited now.

What makes the re-opening exciting at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Hosn is the free admission for visitors under the age of 18 to engage younger audiences and families. Tickets for both sites can only be booked online.

Meanwhile, all the sites that will continue to remain closed will be operating virtually through an inspiring programme broadcast online through the Cultural Sites, Abu Dhabi Culture and Cultur-All virtual platforms.

Cultural Foundation Theatre performances and Abu Dhabi Children’s Library will continue to be broadcast online. Bait Al Oud, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Marsam Al Hor, Bait Al Khatt and Qattara Arts Centre will all be offering visual and performing arts sessions online.