Louvre Abu Dhabi: Construction delay ‘pushes opening to 2016’
Reason for delay in building work was not given
The need for further construction work on the $650 million Louvre Abu Dhabi means the museum will not open until late 2016, a senior official told Reuters.
The iconic outer dome of the Saadiyat Island museum was recently completed but ongoing works underneath mean the building, originally due to complete in 2012 and later rescheduled for this year, will be further delayed.
“Attention will now turn to the remaining work on the underside of the cladding and the Louvre Abu Dhabi remains on track for opening in the second half of 2016,” Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) told Reuters.
READ MORE: Final piece of Louvre Abu Dhabi dome cladding lifted into place
A reason for the delay was not given.
The Louvre museum is part of a wider cultural district being developed by the TDIC, which also includes the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum.
Mansoori did not clarify whether the 2017 target for the Guggenheim and 2016 for the Zayed will be met, but did say contracts for both museums will be awarded soon.
He added that ground-breaking is expected in the first half of 2016 for the Guggenheim, and at the end of this year for the Zayed museum.
READ MORE: Final piece of Louvre Abu Dhabi dome cladding lifted into place
