The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi announced the start of ticket sales for Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, allowing the public to secure admission in advance of the December 11 opening. General admission tickets are priced at Dh70 while complimentary access applies to visitors under 18, UAE university students, seniors aged 60 and above, and people of determination. Reduced rates of Dh35 are set for UAE educators and military personnel with Dh50 available to certain cardholders, and all terms are outlined on the museum’s official website. Children aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Designed by the late Pritzker Prize laureate Frank Gehry, the museum encompasses 28 galleries linked by a central atrium and 10 sculptural cones that form its architectural signature. The facility spans 80,000 square metres in total with 11,600 square metres dedicated to interior exhibition space and an additional 23,000 square metres for outdoor displays. Its interconnected layout and expansive terraces create varied environments for encountering art, integrating the building itself into the visitor experience.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will focus on modern and contemporary art from the 1960s to the present through its growing collection, commissioned works, exhibitions and public programmes. The institution aims to highlight perspectives from around the world with particular attention to artists and narratives that have been historically underrepresented in global collections. This programming will encourage new forms of engagement and cross-cultural understanding among visitors of all ages.
The museum joins an established cluster of institutions on Saadiyat Island that already includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi as well as the more recently inaugurated Zayed National Museum and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Development of the cultural district has positioned Abu Dhabi as an international arts destination with the Guggenheim expected to attract both local residents and global tourists. Plans for the project were first made public in 2006, setting the stage for two decades of preparation before its public debut.
The initiative stems from a partnership between the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation under which the emirate oversees construction, acquisitions and operations. Abu Dhabi has committed more than $1 billion to the museum, which will house works owned by the government. Upon opening it will stand as the largest venue within the entire Guggenheim network that also includes branches in New York, Venice and Bilbao.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, framed the launch as a milestone for the emirate. “Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a defining moment in our cultural journey,” he said. “It brings new perspectives to modern and contemporary art, shining a light on art from all around the world.” The museum’s multilingual initiatives and research focus are designed to broaden participation and inspire younger generations to explore artistic expression.
