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Construction Set to Begin on Abu Dhabi’s Guggenheim
One of the most eagerly awaited cultural projects in the Middle East is finally expected to come to fruition after over a decade of anticipation, after a start date was confirmed for its construction
Located on Abu Dhabi Saadiyat Island, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim museum is slated to be 12 times the size of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim New York.
The design and concept have been inspired by expansive industrial studio spaces, with a cluster of galleries curated with different heights, shapes, and character.
The innovative space gives “flexibility and perspective in organising exhibitions at dimensions that did not previously exist”, according to its creators.
Each cluster is connected by a catwalk that then leads to a covered courtyard. Additional vertical clusters of galleries pile on top of the central circulation creating a combination of vertical and horizontal spaces.
Art in all mediums and from every decade dating from the 1960s through to the 21st century will be displayed.
There will also be artworks commissioned specifically for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection.