Set to open this year, Louvre Abu Dhabi will be a new model of a universal museum, translating openness and creating a cultural dialogue. Designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, Louvre Abu Dhabi will display works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from ancient to contemporary. Universal themes and common influences will be highlighted to illustrate similarities and exchanges arising from shared human experience transcending geography, nationality and history.

Ahead of the museum’s opening, Louvre Abu Dhabi has created an online presence via Twitter in order to engage audiences around the world and connect with the global museum community. @LouvreAbuDhabi will now join in for Twitter’s #MuseumWeek, an online celebration of museums and galleries around the world.

The event is taking place from 23 to 29 March 2015 exclusively on Twitter and any museums, galleries or collections – no matter how large or small – can take part, completely free of charge.

Hissa Al Dhaheri, programs manager at Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority says in a press statement, “Louvre Abu Dhabi began its online presence ahead of the opening to create anticipation for the big day and to increase interactions with our many target audiences, consisting of younger generations, UAE residents and those abroad.”

The online ambition has gained more than 15,000 followers @LouvreAbuDhabi, creating a dedicated group of art enthusiasts ahead of the grand opening.

Al Dhaheri adds, “The UAE community is thirsty for information on art and culture, which is seen through the social media activities. Fortunately, we received lots of feedback upon launching the Twitter account, and were able to achieve huge outreach over a short period of time.”

More than 2,000 Museums have already signed up for the week-long celebration with over 44 countries from across the globe participating.

Five days, Five themes

Participating organizations will include the hashtag #MuseumWeek in their Tweets for the week. Every day there will also be a different theme for museums and museum fans to tweet along with. @LouvreAbuDhabi followers and fans can get involved with the following:

  • Monday 23 March: #SecretsMW – @LouvreAbuDhabi revealed a behind-the-scenes look at an upcoming initiative
  • Wednesday 25 March: #ArchitectureMW – Stories of the @LouvreAbuDhabi building idea and design
  • Thursday 26 March: #InspirationMW – @LouvreAbuDhabi will call on the public to share their ideal planned day at the museum
  • Friday 27 March: #FamilyMW – @LouvreAbuDhabi will share information family-friendly elements of the upcoming museum
  • Sunday 29 March: #PoseMW – @LouvreAbuDhabi will ask followers to pose with selfies or family shots as per famous works of art

See more information at http://museumweek2015.org/en/ including a list of participating museums and galleries.