Construction of Louvre Abu Dhabi. (© TDIC / jean nouvel architects) Construction of Louvre Abu Dhabi. (© TDIC / jean nouvel architects)

 The much-awaited opening date for Louvre Abu Dhabi is likely to be made public soon as construction work enters the final stage, according to the museum.

In response to a query on the opening date by Arabian Business, @LouvreAbuDhabi said: “Construction of Louvre Abu Dhabi is in its final stages. The building will then enter an important preparation phase, essential for a museum of this magnitude that includes testing.”

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It added art installation and development of the visitor experience [will happen] ahead of the official opening with Louvre Abu Dhabi welcoming visitors this year.

“The opening date is expected to be announced soon,” another tweet said but gave no specific opening date.

The museum, located in Saadiyat Cultural District, was announced in 2007, with Reuters reporting in 2016 that TDIC, the developer, is scheduled to hand over the $650 million (AED2.38 billion) museum to Abu Dhabi’s Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA) in mid-2016.

But a statement issued by TCA in September 2016, announcing appointment of Manuel Rabaté as Louvre Abu Dhabi director, said the museum will welcome visitors in 2017.

Last month, UK-based The Times listed Louvre Abu Dhabi as one of the “most exciting buildings” in 2017. The museum will display art, manuscripts and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance.

Construction of Louvre Abu Dhabi was awarded to an Arabtec-led joint venture with Construction San Jose SA and Oger Abu Dhabi in 2013. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel, the museums dome is supposed to offer visitors an enchanting “rain of light” effect.

The Cultural District will house branches of the Guggenheim museum and the Zayed National Museum.

Sister magazine Arabian Business has also approached TCA for a comment.