In celebration of International Museum Day, visitors will be granted free entry.
If you’ve been itching to check out the magnificent Louvre Abu Dhabi, then it’s time to mark your calendars. The marvellous museum is opening its doors for free this International Museum Day, inviting visitors to explore its galleries, architecture and cultural stories at their own pace. Taking place from Saturday, 16 May to Monday, 18 May 2026, the three-day programme includes free entry for all visitors, alongside a series of engaging experiences designed for families, art lovers and curious first-timers.
Set beneath Jean Nouvel’s striking dome on Saadiyat Island, Louvre Abu Dhabi remains one of the UAE’s most important cultural landmarks. Its permanent galleries trace human creativity across continents and centuries, connecting artworks, objects and civilisations through shared themes of identity, belief, trade and artistic expression. For International Museum Day, the museum will build on this narrative with activities that encourage visitors to look more closely, ask questions, and spend meaningful time with art.
Tours, workshops and screenings
Free thematic guided tours will run daily at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm, and 4.30pm, taking guests through the permanent galleries, the Picasso exhibition, the museum’s architecture, and its wider curatorial story. Spaces are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors seeking a deeper experience can also join the Architecture Experience and Art in Scents olfactory tours on Saturdays for an additional cost.
Families can enjoy complimentary children’s workshops across all three days, with drop-in sessions at 11am and 3pm. Adults can take part in Book an Easel on Sunday, 17 May and Monday, 18 May from 1pm to 4pm beneath the dome, where participants will visit the galleries before translating their favourite artwork into a painting.
Film lovers can attend Cannes Film Nights on Saturday, 16 May at 7pm, featuring a curated selection of world cinema screenings for AED 30. On Monday, 18 May, the museum will also present free screenings of The Pulse of Time in the auditorium. Inspired by the museum’s collection, the 40-minute short film explores human creativity from prehistoric times to the present day through artworks across the museum’s 12 gallery chapters. Screenings will run hourly from 11am to 5pm in English and Arabic.
Also on Monday, visitors can join Inside the Lab: A Scientific Demonstration, where the museum’s research and lab team will share how artworks are studied and preserved using specialist tools and techniques. A Reading Corner will also showcase a curated selection of Louvre Abu Dhabi publications, offering insight into the museum’s publishing process.
How to gain free entry to Louve Abu Dhabi
Usually, Louvre Abu Dhabi offers free entry to certain groups such as schoolchildren, seniors, teachers, and people with disabilities, but on International Museum Day, it’s free for everyone. Bring your valid Emirates ID, show it at the ticket desk, and voila – you’re in!
The Louvre will remain open until 8.30pm, which means you have more time to wander through the galleries, explore the exhibitions and maybe even find your new favourite artist. The Dome of Light, a true architectural marvel, will remain open until midnight, as will the restaurants. Just remember to book your table in advance to secure your spot.
Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Cultural District, Al Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi
When: 16 to 18 May 2026
Contact: www.louvreabudhabi.ae