Image credit: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Construction has begun on Dar al Funoon Abu Dhabi, a performing arts institution designed by the late Frank Gehry. Scheduled to open in 2030, the project is designed to serve as a venue for opera, ballet, theatre, jazz, and other live performances.
The complex will comprise a multipurpose performance hall with more than 2,000 seats, a 3,500-seat open-air amphitheatre, a 400-seat studio theatre and a 250-seat jazz venue, providing a combined capacity of more than 6,000 people. The institution is expected to host programming year-round, with performances and events scheduled throughout the year.
Image credit: Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi
Gehry’s design features a “billowing fabric-like exterior that cascades over the heart of the site.” The facade is designed to be transparent to reveal elements of the artistic process to visitors and passersby. The project is one of two major cultural buildings by Gehry on Saadiyat Island, alongside the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Gehry passed away in December of last year. You can explore a list of ten essential projects by the architect here.
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