The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in late 2017 and attracted some two million visitors in its early years
Abu Dhabi:
Visitors in masks and gloves returned to the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Wednesday when it reopened after a 100-day closure due to restrictions against coronaviruses.
The usual paper cards were replaced by a phone application, thermal scanners were in use and the valet parking, a common service in the United Arab Emirates, has been suspended for the time being.
Entrance is by timed ticket and visits last a maximum of three hours.
As travel to and from Abu Dhabi is still limited, residents of neighboring Dubai, only 90 minutes away by car, cannot yet enter.
“Of course, it was a difficult time,” said museum director Manuel Rabate, acknowledging that the restrictions would limit the number of visitors.
“Our goal is really to make sure that all visitors have the best experience on the safest experience,” he told AFP, adding that in difficult times art could help people find “comfort and appeasement”.
Countries around the world have closed museums and canceled cultural and sporting events in an effort to slow the spread of the pandemic.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi opened in late 2017 and attracted some two million visitors during its first two years of operation.
Under a 30-year agreement, France brings its expertise, lends works of art and organizes exhibitions – in exchange for a billion euros ($ 1.16 billion).
The Louvre in Paris, which houses the Mona Lisa, is due to reopen on July 6 after the government eased restrictions on museums and historic sites.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
