Frank Gehry’s Long-Awaited Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Opens This December

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will officially open its doors on December 11, 2026. The Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi confirmed the date for this long-awaited project, which stands as one of the final designs from the late architect Frank Gehry.

Spanning 861,000 square feet, the museum occupies a prime waterfront location on Saadiyat Island. It sits alongside other cultural landmarks such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. The structure features Gehry’s signature deconstructivist style, characterized by a series of monolithic and conical forms that assist with passive cooling and ventilation.

Inside the 861,000-square-foot facility, visitors will find a central atrium that links 30 distinct galleries. The museum dedicates nearly 125,000 square feet to interior exhibition space, with an additional 250,000 square feet available outdoors. The institution has curated a permanent collection of modern and contemporary art since 2009, reflecting an international scope.

This project represents a collaboration between the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation. Dr. Mariët Westermann, director of the foundation, noted that the museum aims to serve as a connection point for global visitors. The completion of this building marks a significant moment in architectural history, following the passing of Frank Gehry at the end of 2025.