The project is the region’s pre-eminent museum that is dedicated to global modern and contemporary art.

Amidst the varied developments in Abu Dhabi, one of the ambitious projects of the capital— The Guggenheim is making its advancements to open its doors in the year 2025, announced the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, who is also behind the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, the project is the region’s pre-eminent museum that is dedicated to global modern and contemporary art and the UAE branch is set to be the latest and largest outpost of the Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation’s list of international museums.

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project was first announced 15 years ago and was initially meant to be completed by 2012, but later, the museum’s completion date was pushed to 2017. However, the development faced protests over labour rights, delays, and contract cancellations, as well as doubts around its viability through the global financial crisis.

But now, the project is heading towards its progress and is committed to complete the long-delayed branch of the Guggenheim in 2025.

The iconic museum is being developed on Saadiyat Island by DCT - Abu Dhabi and will present a global modern and contemporary art, with a focus on works from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia (WANASA).

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will cover 30,000 square metres, with its gallery spaces spread across four levels connected by glass bridges, with a central atrium at its core.

Even though the project is still under construction, the museum has been building its collection over the past few years, which includes an acquisition of the film commission by artist Sarah Morris.

After its completion, the Guggenheim will join Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat and Berklee Abu Dhabi at Saadiyat cultural complex on an island off downtown Abu Dhabi.