Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, may be described as a business hub, a culturally-diverse city, or simply a popular tourist destination… Now, let’s add “centre for culture and arts” to the list!
ALSO READ: Visit Qasr Al Watan, a Grand Palace in Abu Dhabi
Aside from its numerous shopping malls and leisure attractions, Abu Dhabi also has several museums and galleries that any history, culture, and art enthusiast will love. Learn more about them below!
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Visit These Abu Dhabi Museums and Galleries
When in Abu Dhabi, take time to visit these museums and art galleries:
#1 – Abu Dhabi Art Hub
Situated in The Mall at World Trade Centre, the Art Hub is the place to go for exhibits, art classes, and of course, buying beautiful art. If you’re an artist, you could contact them about setting up an exhibit for your works of art. The Art Hub is open every Saturday to Thursday, from 10 am to 7 pm. Exhibits, classes, and art-related events are held all year round.
Address: The Mall at World Trade Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 55 550 9640
Website: https://www.adah.ae/
Google Map:
#2 – Etihad Modern Art Gallery
Located at Al Bateen area, the Etihad Modern Art Gallery features artworks by both local and international artists. It is open every Saturday to Thursday, from 10 am to 10 pm. Entrance is free, so it’s a great place to view modern art, buy a souvenir from the gift shop, or simply hang out at the gallery cafe.
Address: Al Bateen Area, Villa 15, Al Huwelat Street (behind Al Bateen Mall), Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: +971 2 621 0145
Website: https://etihadmodernart.com/
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#3 – N2N Gallery
Established in May 2013 at Al Ain Tower in Al Khalidiya, N2N Gallery is definitely an aesthetic feast for the eyes! It features over 170 sculptures, paintings, and graphic art pieces. The gallery conducts art classes as well. It is open every Saturday to Thursday, from 10 am to 10 pm.
Address: Al Ain Tower, Khalidiya entrance through Costa Coffee, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: +971 50 728 3778
Website: https://n2nartgallery.com/
Google Map:
#4 – Warehouse 421
In 2015, two industrial warehouses in Mina Zayed were transformed into an art space, music venue, food market — and became what is now called Warehouse 421. Since then, the venue has hosted 14 exhibitions, showcasing the works of over 200 local and regional artists.
Aside from art exhibits, Warehouse 421 also hosts film screenings, talks, performances, and workshops. It is open every Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 8 pm.
Address: Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: +971 2 676 8803
Website: https://www.warehouse421.ae/en/
Google Map:
#5 – Louvre Abu Dhabi
If the name sounds familiar, you’re right! The Louvre Abu Dhabi has a namesake in Paris. In fact, it was borne out of an agreement between the UAE and French governments. In 2017, it was inaugurated by UAE Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Beneath the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s magnificent dome lies art spaces featuring both ancient art and contemporary spaces. Workshops, live performances, and temporary exhibits are held throughout the year. Entrance costs AED 60 (adults) and AED 30 (ages 13-22). It is open every Saturday to Wednesday (10 am – 8 pm) and Thursday to Friday (10 am – 10 pm).
Address: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: +971 600 565566
Website: https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/
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#6 – Manarat Al Saadiyat
Also located at the Saadiyat Cultural District is Manarat Al Saadiyat, an art gallery, music space, and theatre rolled into one. Whether you’re joining a workshop, watching a film, or checking out the latest artworks, there’s always something exciting going on!
Manarat Al Saadiyat is open daily, from 9 am to 8 pm. Entrance is free for the cinema screenings (restored classics and contemporary films) and costs AED 30 for the drop-in studio.
Address: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway, Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: +971 2 657 5800
Website: http://manaratalsaadiyat.ae/en/default.aspx
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#7 – Salwa Zeidan Gallery
Lovers of contemporary art should head to the Salwa Zeidan Gallery, which has featured local and international artists since 1994. Paintings, installations, performance art, photographs, sculptures — they’ve got it! The gallery is open every Sunday to Wednesday (10 am – 10 pm), Thursday and Saturday (10 am – midnight), and Friday (by appointment).
Address: Space 22, The Collection St. Regis, Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Telephone: +971 2 666 9656
Website: http://www.salwazeidangallery.com/
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#8 – Arts Centre, NYU Abu Dhabi
The NYU Abu Dhabi Campus has its very own Art Centre, “a place where performance, education, and the community come together,” according to the official website. The centre houses the campus’ Film, Music, New Media Studies, Theatre, and Visual Arts departments, so you can be sure that there’s always a movie, recital, play, and art exhibit coming up! Entrance fees to attend these events vary, so be sure to contact them first before going.
Address: NYU Abu Dhabi Campus, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
Telephone: +971 2 628 6868
Website: https://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/about/nyuad-at-a-glance/the-campus/arts-center.html
Google Map:
Whether you’re a painter, musician, filmmaker, performance artist, or simply an all-around art enthusiast, these museums and galleries are bound to capture your imagination! At the same time, check out these places to visit in Abu Dhabi whenever you’re in the capital.