Picturing The Cosmos is the latest impressive exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi's Children's Museum.
Spread over 3 levels, this family-friendly exhibition explores the wonders of the cosmos.
When To Go
Picturing The Cosmos is open between 10am - 6:30pm weekdays and until 8.30pm on weekends.
Louvre Abu Dhabi and this Children's Museum are closed on Mondays.
How To Book & Costs Involved
Whilst all children under 18 years old are free, you'll still need to book a free ticket on-line or have one printed out at the Louvre Abu Dhabi's ticket counter (as the staff need a barcode to scan in order to allow entry to any children at the Louvre).
Adults will need to accompany children (mandatory for children over 13 years old) and adult tickets for this exhibition cost AED63pp and can be purchased online here.
How To Get There
Louvre Abu Dhabi is located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi and have detailed instructions when planning your visit via their website here.
In order to locate the entrance of the Children's Museum, you'll need to go inside the main entrance of Louvre Abu Dhabi and then walk straight outside under the 'dome' and turn right to reach the building before Fouquet's restaurant.
What To Expect
This fun space exhibition is organised into 4 themed areas.
1. Contemplate | Celestial Wonders From Earth
Once children enter the exhibition Picturing The Cosmos, some children under 4 years old might find the entrance a bit dark, so it might be a good idea to distract them by creating their wristbands.
Children will only need to create their wristband, if they want to complete the activities throughout this space-themed exhibition.
There are lots of celestial wonders to explore on the first level of this exhibition, which come to life on the walls!
The celestial themed room off to the side is sure to impress children and adults of all ages, with an impressive digital show on display.
Once you've finished exploring this level, open the door with the sign above saying 'To The Space Station,' and continue to the next level of this exhibition either via stairs or the lift.
2. Narrate | Stars And Galaxy Storytelling
The Stars And Galaxy Storytelling level is divided into 2 parts and there are a 2 different ways to start your journey on this level.
You can start in the Spacewalk area (to the left) and whilst it is quite small, it's still a great photo stop with your children, as you explore the different stars and galaxies in their colourful reflections!
The other option is for you to turn right at the 'Explore' sign and see the astronaut's area first.
Regardless of the order you choose, both rooms are connected and have the same ultimate exit, so it's completely up to you.
Once you're up close to the astronaut, this is another great photo stop for you and your family!
Children can spend a lot of time on this level, as there are lots of interactive activities involving touchscreens, sliding windows revealing interesting facts and children able to use magnets to discover metals in rocks.
The interactive touchscreen areas proved really popular with our Son Thomas, including this rocket colouring in activity.
3. Measure | Scientific Inventions And Discoveries
The inside part of the lower level of this space themed exhibition is dedicated to scientific inventions and discoveries and is where children are able to complete a mission to Mars.
Children can also complete a Trajectory Simulator, although smaller children under the ages of 4 years old might need help from an adult to complete this activity.
4. Explore | Cosmos Inspired Playground For Kids
The final part of this exhibition is an outdoor playground for kids under the dome of Louvre Abu Dhabi (but still within the Children's Museum).
There are quite a few things for children to do in this interactive playground including:
1. Learning about growing your own food
2. How to avoid obstacles in space
3. Looking for signs of life on Mars
4. Studying the landscape
5. Building your camp
6. Finding traces of water
Once you are back inside, you pass by some interesting space facts on the windows as you head towards the exit.
Finally once you're at the exit, you travel through a neon-lit tunnel back to Earth.
Tips For Your Visit
Activities at Picturing The Cosmos have been designed for children between the ages of 4 - 10 years old, so whilst our Son at the age of 3 really enjoyed this exhibition, he wasn't interested in completing all of the activities in their entirety (instead he choose to explore the different rooms of this exhibition at his own pace).
There is a baby stroller parking area right outside the Children's Museum, but you can also bring your prams into this museum (as there are internal lifts to move between the different levels).
Once you've finished this exhibition, don't forget to scan your children's wristband at the exit.
There are also bathrooms located outside the exit of the Children's Museum, should you need to use them after your visit.
We spotted pop-up food stalls near this exit too, which serve food & drinks (aimed mostly at children's palates).
Tip: You can take the nearby stairs down to the new seating area, should you wish to enjoy your purchases (rather than have them takeaway).
The Verdict
This is an incredible experience for children and one that you could easily keep going back to with your children (as it's very interactive).
Whilst children over the age of 4 years old might get more out of the activities at this exhibition, children of all ages can still enjoy exploring all of the different areas.
Thomas particularly loved the last 2 areas within this exhibition (Narrate & Explore).
Narrate | Stars And Galaxy Storytelling | The touchscreen about Stars
Explore | Cosmos Inspired Playground For Kids | Bouncing on the in-ground trampoline
We were really impressed by the last exhibition that Louvre Abu Dhabi had in their Children's Museum 'Emotions The New Art Adventure' and this latest space themed exhibition 'Picturing The Cosmos' is equally as fun for children.
No doubt we'll continue to re-visit Picturing The Cosmos whilst it's on at Louvre Abu Dhabi for the next year or so, as it's definitely one of the best interactive experiences for children in Abu Dhabi.
Sounds like fun? Don’t just take our word for it, experience it for yourself.
Be inspired to start or add to your very own bucket lists.
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Above prices & information correct as of August 2023.
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