Planning your Eid Al Etihad long weekend in Abu Dhabi? The Louvre Abu Dhabi is offering free entry on Monday, December 2, 2024 — a rare opportunity to explore one of the UAE's most celebrated cultural landmarks at no cost.
Free Entry on Eid Al Etihad: What You Need to Know
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, situated on Saadiyat Island off Abu Dhabi's northeast coast, is throwing open its doors to mark Eid Al Etihad — the national holiday formerly known as Union Day and UAE National Day. Admission is completely free of charge, but you must book your tickets online in advance; walk-in entry on the day is not guaranteed.
Opening hours on December 2:
- Galleries and exhibitions open until 6:30 PM - The dome remains open until midnight, with last entry at 11 PM - General venue hours: 10 AM to midnight
Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances Exhibition
Art lovers are in for a treat. The museum's headline temporary exhibition, Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances, runs through February 2025 and showcases over 100 masterpieces spanning 1886 to 1905. Highlights include:
- **Van Gogh's The Bedroom — one of three versions depicting his room in the Yellow House in Arles, France - Van Gogh's Noon: Rest from Work and The Restaurant de la Sirène at Asnières - Intimate works by Paul Gauguin, a close friend of Van Gogh known for his raw, expressive style - Pointillist masterpieces by Georges Seurat, the technique's defining practitioner - Works by Paul Cézanne** and other post-impressionist pioneers
The exhibition combines iconic canvases with interactive murals and an open discussion table at the center of the gallery, making it an accessible and engaging cultural experience for all ages.
Special Eid Al Etihad Events on December 2
Beyond the galleries, the museum has planned a full day of Emirati cultural programming:
- Arabic Majlis (1 PM–6 PM): A traditional gathering space with complimentary aromatic Arabic coffee and luqaimat pastries - Ayyala and Nahma performances: Traditional Emirati chants celebrating the national occasion - Emirati film screenings at 7 PM on the museum's Promenade — City of Life and Happy Birthday Younis mark the kick-off of Emirati Film Month
Immerse Yourself in Culture This Long Weekend
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is one of the UAE's most architecturally breathtaking institutions, and its collection draws visitors from across the world year-round. Free entry on Eid Al Etihad makes December 2 the ideal moment for residents and tourists alike to explore both the permanent collection and the Post-Impressionism exhibition — a fitting way to celebrate the country's 53rd National Day with a dose of world-class art and Emirati heritage.
Book your complimentary tickets at the Louvre Abu Dhabi website before they sell out.
