Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the largest Guggenheim in the world, is set to open on 11 December 2026 as the region’s preeminent museum of Modern and Contemporary art and its striking design is already turning heads.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will join the community of museums, cultural centres and art galleries in Saadiyat Cultural District, including Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Here's what to know about Abu Dhabi's next great museum ahead of its opening.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's main focus will be on modern and contemporary art from the 1960s onwards – painting, sculpture, installation, photography, moving image and new media.
The collection will showcase artists from West Asia, North Africa and South Asia, offering a distinct regional perspective within the global Guggenheim network.
Designed by the legendary Frank Gehry, the building rises to 88 metres in height and is surrounded by the sparkling Arabian Gulf on three sides. It houses 30 galleries connected by a central atrium and 10 sculptural cones.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum
How big will Guggenheim Abu Dhabi be?
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will have a total built-up area of 80,000 square metres, including 11,600 square metres of interior gallery space across 30 galleries and 23,000 square metres of outdoor exhibition space.
How many collections will Guggenheim Abu Dhabi have?
The size and details of the collection haven't been announced yet. But it'll span a range of artistic media including painting, sculpture, installation, photography, moving image and new media. More information about the collection and commissions will follow in the coming months.
What can visitors expect at Guggenheim Abu Dhabi?
Visitors can expect a truly immersive experience, striking architecture inspired by traditional Arabian wind towers, galleries filled with internationally acclaimed art, stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and world-class facilities all in one place.
What kind of art will Guggenheim Abu Dhabi feature?
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will focus on modern and contemporary art, primarily works created from the 1960s onwards. The collection will include local, regional and international artwork with a special emphasis on West Asian, North African and South Asian art.
Who is Frank Gehry?
Frank Gehry was a world-renowned Canadian-American architect and winner of the Pritzker Prize, the highest honour in architecture. He was best known for iconic buildings like the Guggenheim Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Abu Dhabi design was one of his most ambitious late-career works.
Will Guggenheim Abu Dhabi have exhibitions and events?
Yes. Like all Guggenheim museums, Abu Dhabi will host rotating exhibitions, special events and cultural programming throughout the year. Specific details will be announced after it opens on 11 December.
