DUBAI
Art attack
The emirate promises a cultural boom to rival its neighbours
While Dubai has plugged the recreational pluses of year-round sunshine in its bid to attract tourists, the benefits of public culture have been largely overlooked. But that seems set to change with the announcement of plans for a grand Museum of Middle East Modern Art (MOMEMA) as part of Dubai’s Culture Village development. Dutch architects UNStudio’s design for the 25,000m2 complex, overlooking Dubai Creek, includes a variety of galleries, an amphitheatre for live performances and even a boatyard for traditional dhow builders, as well as residential, commercial and, of course, retail zones. A boutique hotel on the waterfront will feature more shopping and a top-floor restaurant with 360˚ views.
UNStudio’s co-founder and principal architect, Ben van Berkel, says: “In MOMEMA we recognise the opportunity to create an entirely new type of museum, where professionals, collectors and public meet each other. The building is positioned to take full advantage of its prominent location in the Culture Village. With its dhow-like prow rising up, the building offers panoramic views of the surroundings, and vice versa.”
MOMEMA is expected to be completed in 2011.
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