Jean Nouvel - Louvre Abu Dhabi

Project Description:

Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by architect Jean Nouvel, is a striking fusion of contemporary innovation and traditional Arabic architectural influences. The museum’s defining feature is its vast floating dome, composed of 7,850 geometric stars that create the iconic “rain of light” effect as sunlight filters through the structure.

Beyond its visual impact, the dome serves a functional role, shading the complex and contributing to energy efficiency. Surrounded by water, the museum is conceived as a city within the sea, where architecture, light, and landscape come together to create a calm and immersive cultural environment.

The Shoot:

This personal project was inspired by the scale and presence of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, as well as a desire to document a landmark piece of contemporary architecture. I planned the trip as a working holiday, creating a series of images that reflect the type of architectural projects I aim to work on.

Over two days, I worked through the space while navigating visitor movement, using careful timing and multiple exposures to capture the museum in a quiet, minimal state. Approaching large-scale architecture in this way (link this to your architectural photographer London page) yields a more controlled, refined result, especially in high-traffic environments.

Capturing the “rain of light” effect required close attention to how natural light moved through the dome throughout the day. Changing weather conditions added another layer of complexity, influencing contrast and atmosphere across the structure.

Post-production focused on blending exposures, removing distractions, and maintaining the clarity of the architectural forms. The final images reflect a clean, balanced interpretation of the space, staying true to the experience of being there while presenting the architecture at its best, with a considered approach to interior photography in London and beyond.

Project Type | Architectural Design Photography

Architecture | Ateliers Jean Nouvel

Location | Abu Dhabi, UAE