It’s a scene out of science fiction where history meets technology. Deep rooted culture shaped the complex yet few would recognize anything traditional about the structure. The lattice of thin metal frames interlocked are a symbol of palm leaves while the pools of water the building remains afloat on are homage to the advanced irrigation systems of ancient Arabic civilizations the creator explains with enthusiasm. It’s revolutionary, so drastically different from the trees and citadels of metal and glass beyond he explains. And revolutionary is exactly what one would use to describe Abu Dhabi’s Louvre.

With 20 galleries housed within cubes of white beneath the impossibly suspended lace roof, the Louvre of Abu Dhabi is the Arab world’s foray into melding cultures and histories through art. It is in fact the first international museum in the Arab world, featuring prominent artists known and unknown from various civilizations of the past. 620 artifacts bring together the Musee de Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou and several other acclaimed museums under a single roof. Walking through the time periods you’ll come to realize just how similar we were even when separated by several seas and oceans.