While I’m away this week, I realized that there were a few posts that I had had planned but didn’t share – so we’ll be doing a slightly midle-eastern-kind of theme these week. Also, as it’s over 90 degrees in Chicago, maybe that kind of fits? When I was in Abu Dhabi, I wasn’t there long but tried to take advantage of the little pockets of time I had to see what I could, sometimes even taking the long way around.
One of the things I kept reading about was the coming Louvre Abu Dhabi. It’s not built yet, though construction has started. But in anticipation of its opening, the Louvre has already been exhibiting at the Manarat al Saadiyat, a cultural center built on an island off the main city. In addition to exhibiting hundreds of pieces that were never before scene from the permanent collection of the Louvre (and oh, a pretty spectacular cafe), they had the mockups and renditions of what was to come, as well as a video rendering that surrounded you so that you could feel like what it would be to stand inside the main pavillion.
For some reason, this piece of architecture moved me to tears. Literally. There is something about the stone and the color…the sun peeking through casting patterns that would change throughout the day….the incorporation of water….It’s not something traditional but by no means feels out of place, and visually, a relief from all the skyscrapers and construction cranes. If it was this moving by maquette, I can only imagine what it will feel like in person…Something to come back for, as my mother likes to say.
It is really beautiful! Like you I love the way the light dapples on the floor. We are eagerly anticipating our own new museum here in my city – this time it is the first non-London location for the Victoria and Albert Museum. Our building is designed by Kengo Kuma & Associates and should start construction next spring. Maybe one day you'll be able to come and see our museum….www.vandaatdundee.com