The cultural landmark is set to enhance Abu Dhabi’s “global oasis of creativity,” joining other major institutions in the capital, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum, and Zayed National Museum.
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum is scheduled to open in 2026, according to Dr Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President.
The cultural landmark will further enrich Abu Dhabi’s “global oasis of creativity,” joining existing institutions such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum, and Zayed National Museum—the latter two of which opened to the public last year.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Design
The late Frank Gehry, who passed away last year, left a lasting legacy with his largest museum project — Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
The design draws inspiration from both Gulf architectural heritage and Gehry’s visionary style, reimagining traditional elements such as the burjeel (wind tower) and the arish (palm frond courtyard house).
From the exterior, the building resembles a stack of cones and cubes, evoking a pile of bonfire wood — a nod to the UAE’s roots, when communities would gather around fires to share stories and strengthen social bonds.
