Art News

Abu Dhabi developer outlines a new timetable for opening of Louvre, Guggenheim

DUBAI (AP).- The developer of an ambitious cultural district in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday outlined a new timetable for the stalled project, with its first attraction — a branch of the Louvre — now slated to open in 2015. A division of the Guggenheim will follow in 2017, which like the outpost of the French art institution will make its debut in the Emirati capital years later than originally planned. The landmark projects on the emirate’s multi-billion dollar Saadiyat Island development have been hit by a series of delays since being unveiled five years ago, including an announcement last year that the government-backed developer was dropping plans to award a major construction contract. That renewed questions about Abu Dhabi’s commitment to the project, which aims to turn the fast-growing city into a major cultural and tourism hub. The museums had been scheduled to start opening this year, but officials had already said that was no longer possible. Wednesday’s statement