New Louvre in Abu Dhabi

After months of speculation and a week-long protest, the French government has finally confirmed that for a sum of 800 million to one billion dollars, it will lend the name Louvre along with its artistic treasures and expertise to a new museum that will be established in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The signing of the agreement is expected at the end of this month. The new Louvre will be one of five museums (a new Guggenheim will again be built by Gehry) that will be constructed for wealthy tourists on Saadiyat Island. Critics accuse the government of selling the soul of France. However, they have been disregarded, and the Minister of Culture merely stated that the decision has already been made. The Louvre and Pompidou are simply following a trend already set by the Guggenheim or the Hermitage before them. The new Louvre in Abu Dhabi is set to open in 2012. Link>