The iconic museum on Saadiyat Island has reached another construction milestone – the removal of temporary walls blocking the sea from the main structure.

The news is an important step in achieving the final space as envisioned by architect Jean Nouvel, which will see the museum flanked by water and look as if it is floating on the Arabian Gulf.

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The construction site for the Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on a platform of reclaimed land four metres above sea level and is surrounded by temporary walls and special pumps that have kept the construction site dry – until now.

With the removal of the walls currently underway, the museum is one step closer to completion and looks undeniably impressive.

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The process of removal will be conducted in three stages. First pumps used to keep water out of the construction site were turned off and the water level was allowed to rise slowly around the museum’s basements. Then seawater was pumped inside the walls and the structure tested for leaks or damage.

Now the third and final step, which began earlier this month, will see more water pumped into the space to match sea level and hence the removal of the temporary walls.

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“This is a great milestone in the development of Louvre Abu Dhabi,” said HE Ali Majed Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Board at TDIC, master developer of the project. “This delicate process is the result of months of planning and preparation to ensure that the inflow of sea water takes place in a controlled manner around and within strategic places in the museum.”

Construction is also currently underway on the main gallery spaces, entrance and administration buildings.