Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is preparing to open on December 11, 2026, bringing one of the world's most anticipated museum projects to Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi.
In this Property News International feature, we take a closer look at the architecture of the late Frank Gehry, whose design combines monumental sculptural forms with elements inspired by the UAE's traditional wind towers.
The museum's distinctive silhouette is defined by 10 towering cones reaching up to 88 meters, designed to provide shade and help circulate air through the building's courtyards and terraces. The complex will include approximately 11,600 square meters of indoor exhibition space and a further 23,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition areas.
Developed by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, the project brings together an international architecture and construction team. Gehry Partners led the architectural design, with Adamson Associates involved as executive architect during the early design stages.
The main construction contract was awarded to a joint venture between Six Construct, part of BESIX Group, and Trojan General Contracting.
The museum will focus on global modern and contemporary art, with particular attention to artistic practices from West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia. Its opening program will also include an exhibition exploring Frank Gehry's design process through original sketches, models, and archival materials.
