The Waterfront Museum for Art in Abu Dhabi is a new icon for the city. The building reflects the cultural traditions of Abu Dhabi, blurring the boundaries between landscape, art and architecture. The museum is a cultural pier, a logical continuation of the popular Corniche Boulevard. A tilted section of the building creates a protected ground floor space that is occupied by a public sculpture garden.
Taking its cue from the traditional architecture of Abu Dhabi, the Waterfront Museum is organised around a series of courtyards. These circular outdoor spaces bring diffuse daylight deep into the building and allow for natural ventilation. The curving walls support the flow of visitors, creating an element of surprise with the turn of each corner.
Visitors arrive at the main entrance located on the ground floor and exit by the restaurant, which is accessible from both streetside and waterside via a pier. The museum has the capacity to accommodate diverse events, ranging from small-scale exhibitions to extensive shows.
The shaded sculpture garden occupies most of the ground floor, with the sculptures exhibited on small islands in a landscape inspired by the raw nature of the surrounding environment. Seats are integrated into concrete bridges that connect the islands. From here, visitors can view the sculptures and surrounding buildings. The rippling water around the islands creates a calming atmosphere, offering reflections of the underside of the building.