Louvre Abu Dhabi construction nears completion with dome lighting and seawall removal

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, has reached two major milestones in its construction: the removal of temporary seawalls and the illumination of its iconic dome. The dome, with a diameter of 180 meters, is now lit by 4,500 neon lights, creating a "rain of light" effect that changes throughout the day. The seawall removal, part of the museum's design as a "museum city on the sea," is being executed in three phases. The museum, born from a 2007 intergovernmental agreement between Abu Dhabi and France, aims to be a cathedral of intercultural exchange. It will feature a permanent collection, loans from prestigious French institutions, and temporary exhibitions across 23 galleries. Jean Nouvel drew inspiration from traditional Arab architecture, using ultra-high-performance concrete for the 55 buildings that compose the museum. The inauguration is scheduled for late 2016.