ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates – July 28, 2026: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced that Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will officially open to the public on 11 December 2026, marking a major milestone in the emirate’s cultural development and reinforcing its growing role as a global destination for arts, culture, and creative exchange.
Developed through a long-standing collaboration between DCT Abu Dhabi and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is designed as a museum of modern and contemporary art that will showcase artistic practices from the 1960s to the present. The institution aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue by presenting diverse artistic perspectives from around the world while reflecting the cultural identity and creative vision of the United Arab Emirates.
Located within the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum will join an internationally recognized network of cultural institutions that includes Louver Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and team Lab Phenomena Abu Dhabi. It also becomes part of the Guggenheim constellation alongside museums in New York, Venice, and Bilbao, while establishing its own distinct curatorial identity rooted in Abu Dhabi.
“Guggenheim Abu Dhabi represents a defining milestone in our cultural journey,“ said His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. “The museum reflects our belief that culture is one of the most enduring ways to connect people and build forward-looking societies. As an integral part of Saadiyat Cultural District, it will create new opportunities for learning, creativity, and cultural exchange while inspiring future generations to engage with artistic ideas from around the world.”
Dr. Mariët Westermann, Director and CEO of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, added, “We are proud to continue our long-standing partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in bringing this ambitious museum to life. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has been conceived as both a regional and global institution, presenting a collection that reflects artistic voices from across continents while creating meaningful opportunities for dialogue, curiosity, and discovery.”
A New Perspective on Modern and Contemporary Art
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has been developed as a platform for artistic exploration, presenting modern and contemporary art through a transcultural lens. Rather than following a conventional chronological approach, the museum will highlight artistic connections, shared influences, and evolving narratives across different regions and generations.
Its growing collection, developed since 2009, spans a broad range of artistic media, including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, moving image, and new media. Visitors will be encouraged to explore the museum through thematic galleries centered on concepts such as Abstractions, Popular Culture, Land, Language, and Storytelling, creating multiple pathways for engagement and interpretation.
The museum also places strong emphasis on supporting artistic practice through commissions, exhibitions, research initiatives, and multilingual public programs that encourage learning and cultural participation.
An Architectural Landmark Inspired by the Gulf
Designed by the late Pritzker Architecture Prize laureate Frank Gehry, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi occupies a prominent waterfront location on Saadiyat Island, where land meets sea.
Inspired by the architectural forms and environmental conditions of the Gulf region, the museum features ten sculptural cones that define its skyline while providing natural ventilation and shade to enhance energy efficiency.
The 80,000-square-meter development comprises 30 galleries, connected through a central atrium, offering approximately 11,600 square meters of interior exhibition space alongside 23,000 square meters of outdoor galleries integrated into terraces and sculptural structures. Designed to accommodate large-scale and experimental contemporary artworks, the building itself forms an integral part of the visitor experience.
Advanced Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Vision
The opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi represents another significant step in Abu Dhabi’s long-term strategy to position culture as a catalyst for education, innovation, tourism, and international collaboration.
By presenting diverse artistic perspectives while fostering dialogue across cultures, the museum aims to deepen public engagement with modern and contemporary art and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s role within the global cultural landscape.
Additional announcements regarding the museum’s inaugural exhibitions, commissions, and public programs are expected in the coming months.
About Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a museum of modern and contemporary art developed through a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Located in the heart of Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum presents art from the 1960s to the present through a transcultural approach that highlights artistic connections across regions and cultures. Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the museum combines innovative architecture with an expanding international collection, research initiatives, exhibitions, commissions, and multilingual public programs that promote artistic exchange and cultural understanding.
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