Construction has commenced on Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a performing arts venue designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry before his death, Abu Dhabi‘s Department of Culture and Tourism has announced.
Expected to be completed in 2030, the landmark venue will be located on Saadiyat Island, joining Gehry’s Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which is also under construction.
Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi will host opera, ballet, theatre and other live performances and be one of the final completed buildings designed by the celebrated architect, who passed away aged 96 in December last year.
Renders show a rippling, fabric-like exterior enveloping Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi.
The sculptural venue will contain a 2,000-seat performance hall, a 3,500-seat open-air amphitheatre, a 400-seat theatre and a 250-seat jazz venue.
It will be situated adjacent to other landmark buildings on Saadiyat Island, including Zayed National Museum by Foster + Partners, the Louvre Abu Dhabi by Jean Nouvel, the National History Museum by Mecanoo and TeamLab Phenomena by TeamLab Architects.
“Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi represents our long-term investment in artistic expression and reflects our comprehensive approach to cultural development,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.
“Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi will be a permanent home for performance at the highest international level, bringing together leading artists, companies and creative talent from the UAE, the region and across the world,” he continued.
“Through artistic residencies, international partnerships and world-class productions, it will expand opportunities for cultural exchange, inspire new generations of creatives, and further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a global centre for creativity, exchange and artistic excellence.”
The undulating exterior of the building is typical of Gehry’s architectural style. Other iconic buildings by the Canadian-American architect include the deconstructivist-style Guggenheim Bilbao in Spain and the swooping Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.
The images are courtesy of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi.
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