Tuesday, July 03, 2007

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi


This is the latest model for Frank Gehry's proposed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, part of the new Saadiyat Island Cultural District in Abu Dhabi. When looked at in context with Guggenheim Bilbao it looks extraordinarily ambitious. I guess this is what happens when you have Middle Eastern oil money behind an arts project.


And, if that building didn't smack you right in the face, there is also a performing arts centre by Zaha Hadid (above) which should be vulgar but is strangely beautiful, Jean Nouvel's Classical Museum, and Tadao Ando's Maritime Museum. All are scheduled to open in 2012.

The models & plans for the project are currently on display at The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.

Top image: Guggenheim by Frank Gehry, Abu Dhabi
Bottom image: Performing Arts Centre by Zaha Hadid, Abu Dhabi