The Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi is a site of several cultural and architectural developments designed by prominent architects. Notable projects include the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi by Frank Gehry, the Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi by Mecanoo, and the Abrahamic Family House by Adjaye Associates. Striving to establish itself as a global hub for cultural dialogue, creativity, and knowledge exchange, the master plan prioritizes forming connections between local heritage and global perspectives.
Saadiyat Cultural District continues to develop as a prominent hub for cultural engagement, with a mix of completed and upcoming projects that have drawn international attention. The Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened in 2017, has hosted exhibitions of global significance, showcasing its commitment to connecting cultures through art. Similarly, the Abrahamic Family House, a recently completed project designed to encourage interfaith dialogue, underscores the district's focus on coexistence and cultural exchange. Several key institutions are set to open soon, marking a significant phase in the district's growth. These include the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a contemporary art museum by Frank Gehry; the Zayed National Museum, celebrating Emirati heritage; the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will explore the story of life on Earth; and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, an immersive digital art experience. By combining forward-thinking architectural design with diverse programming, Saadiyat Cultural District aims to steadily establish itself as a global center for culture, creativity, and knowledge exchange.
Read on to explore the completed and envisioned architectural landmarks and cultural institutions shaping the Saadiyat Cultural District Masterplan.
In Progress
National History Museum / Mecanoo
Scheduled for 2025
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, designed by Mecanoo and set to open in 2025, is located in the Saadiyat Cultural District. The 35,000-square-meter space will feature exhibitions, research facilities, and artifacts like the T-rex skeleton "Stan" and the Murchison Meteorite. It aims to explore the history of the universe, Earth's evolution, and life's origins.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi / Frank Gehry
Scheduled for 2025
Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, originally announced in 2006, is now anticipated to open in 2025 on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Spanning 320,000 square feet, it will be the largest Guggenheim museum, complementing other cultural landmarks such as Jean Nouvel's Louvre Abu Dhabi. Although delayed by financial constraints and the pandemic, the project is envisioned as a significant late work in Gehry's career, establishing itself as a key feature of Saadiyat's evolving cultural district.
The Sheikh Zayed National Museum / Foster + Partners
Scheduled for 2025
The Zayed National Museum, designed by Foster + Partners, is situated on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, as a memorial to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's founding president. The museum incorporates solar thermal towers for natural cooling and draws on regional design influences, including references to falconry and Arabic hospitality. It is surrounded by landscaped gardens and focuses on themes of culture, conservation, and sustainability.
TeamLab Phenomena / teamLab Architects
Scheduled for 2025
TeamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is a 17,000-square-meter immersive art space in the Saadiyat Cultural District. Created by teamLab with DCT Abu Dhabi and Miral Group, it introduces "Environmental Phenomena," where artworks emerge from interactions between natural elements like air, water, and light. The project aims to inspire curiosity and redefine how visitors connect with the environment, further cementing Saadiyat as a cultural hub.
Completed
Louvre Abu Dhabi / Ateliers Jean Nouvel
2017
Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, is recognized for its distinctive steel dome, an architectural feature that spans 180 meters and creates an intricate interplay of light and shadow. The structure, located on Saadiyat Island off the coast of Abu Dhabi, was completed and opened to the public in November 2017. The dome's geometric pattern and scale reflect a balance between contemporary design and the island's cultural significance.
Abrahamic Family House / Adjaye Associates
2023
The Abrahamic Family House, designed by Adjaye Associates and opened in February 2023, is located in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. It consists of a mosque, a church, and a synagogue, alongside a shared forum and garden, symbolizing interfaith dialogue and coexistence. Each structure reflects its religious identity through geometry, light, and materiality, while the unifying design emphasizes shared values across faiths.
Manarat Al Saadiyat / Gluckman Tang
2009
Manarat Al Saadiyat, opened in 2009, is a vibrant arts and culture hub in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Cultural District. Featuring year-round exhibitions, workshops, film screenings, and performances, it engages the community across all ages. With spaces dedicated to photography, multimedia, and art studios, it fosters creativity and exploration. The venue also hosts key events like Abu Dhabi Art and the Culture Summit, connecting visitors to the district's major landmarks, including Louvre Abu Dhabi and the future Zayed National Museum.
Berklee Abu Dhabi Center / Foster + Partners
2020
Opened in 2020 and located in the renovated UAE Pavilion designed by Norman Foster, the Berklee Abu Dhabi Center is Berklee's first in the Arab world. It offers non-degree programs in music, dance, and theater, serving students from the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Equipped with a recording studio, ensemble spaces, and various educational offerings, the center fosters creativity and artistic development. In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism, Berklee also provides fellowships for MENA students to access its global campuses and programs.
