Abu Dhabi: The much-awaited and iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi museum on Saadiyat Island opened its doors — though the 1,000 extra tickets released to the public for the opening day were quickly snapped up online, said organisers.

At 10am this morning, the Louvre Abu Dhabi finally threw open its doors to greet visitors from the general public.

It’s where visitors can see the interconnectedness of humanity, the rich cultural and historical offerings and the dialogue of civilisations through art — right here in the UAE.

To welcome the first visitors to the museum, two rows of men dressed in traditional Emirati garb and brandishing bamboo sticks faced one another to perform the Al Ayyala, a national dance performed at weddings and other festivities.

Tickets for first day fully-booked

Tickets for the first day were already fully-booked online, said official.

Festivities will continue throughout the day.

American choreographer Lucinda Childs offering surprise performances through the galleries and Emirati oud maestro Faisal Al Saari entertaining visitors in the late afternoon.

In the evening, French pyrotechnic wizards Groupe F will perform a lightshow that introduces the various collections of the museum, and Grammy award-winning musician Matthieu Chedid, known as -M- will enthrall the audience with his talent.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is the result of a 2007 inter-governmental agreement between the UAE and France that loans the name of the Louvre for 30 years and six months.

The deal also loans artworks from 13 French institutions to the Louvre Abu Dhabi for a decade, and temporary exhibitions for 15 years.

600 artworks and artefacts

The museum currently has more than 600 artworks and artefacts on display in its 23 galleries, and 12 “chapters”.

Its architecture by Jean Nouvel, an award-winning French architect, has also been declared a marvel, with its metallic dome creating mesmerising patterns of light, and the old Arab walled-town-like feeling within the facility.

Dubbed as the first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi offers a glimpse into history of the world and its major religions.

And though the theme is universal it also present Arab and regional art in a historical context.

Hailed as a monument to the global confluence of cultures “that will broadcast tolerance and acceptance” the museum was inaugurated on Wednesday by dignitaries from the UAE and France.

Organisers explained the arrangment of exhibits is deliberately chronological, meant to create a dialogue between pieces from different cultures.

From today, families, schools, art and history enthusiasts can plan a day out visiting the iconic museum and its many different exhibits and workshops.

Following are ticket prices, getting there and other important details.

Related: A walk through the galleries

Find out how to get there, timings and how to buy tickets in our visitors’ guide below: