And ten minutes into the exclusive tour, I realised Louvre Abu Dhabi isn’t trying to be a silent, intimidating hall where children are shushed every six seconds. It’s trying to make culture feel alive.

“This is designed as a space to gather,” Ferris explained. “It’s not just for housing the collection. It’s a lively space.”

You feel that energy everywhere.

Children race beneath the famous rain-of-light dome while exhausted parents clutch iced lattes and attempt aesthetically pleasing Instagram pictures before someone asks for snacks.

Tourists wander through medina-inspired corridors trying to decide whether they’re more impressed by the art or the architecture.…