A world renowned art institution, the Guggenheim Foundation, is currently building their biggest museum yet which is set to be opened this year.
The planned art museum is being constructed on Saadiyat Island, in Abu Dhabi – the world’s wealthiest city.
Founded in 1937 by philantropist Solomon R. Guggenheim and his long-time art advisor, artist Hilla von Rebaby, the nonprofit organisation is a leading insitution for the collection, preservation and research of modern and contemporary art.
It operates several museums around the world, and is about to get bigger with this new $1 billion (approx. £820 million) developmemt that is expected to be completed this year.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is a part of a larger complex of arts and cultural institutions on Saadiyat Island, is aimed to attract international tourists.
The island’s art district is already home to a Natural History Museum exhibition and Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The project was first announced in 2006, but it wasn’t until five years later that work began and was soon suspended. It is now expected to be completed sometime this year.
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the planned museum will be the Solomon R. Guggemheim Foundation’s largest facility, measuring at 320,000 square feet and accomdating 130,000 square feet of exhibition space.
As well as exhibition galleries, it will features education and rsearch space, a conservation laboratory, a centre for contemporary Arab, Islamic and Middle Eastern culture and a centre for art and technology.
The foundation also shared that the artworks displayed at the museum will “respect Abu Dhabi’s culture and national and Islamic heritage.” reports, Khaleej Times.
Guggenheim Foundation’s former director, Thomas Krens said: “We believe that the middle East is one of the world’s most important emerging regions in terms of contemporary culture.”
Those who visit the museum once it opens can expect to see collections from artists across the globe, with specific focuses on modern and contemporary art from West Asia, North Africa and South Asia.
The opening is a step in the right direction of Abu Dhabi’s goals to creating a world-class cultural destination for both its residents and visitors.