Opened in 1981, Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation building originally housed the first national library, a performance auditorium and an exhibition centre.

The modernist concrete structure was the result of a design competition held in 1973, won by The Architects Collective (a group founded by German architect Walter Gropius - also the founder of the Bauhaus in 1919). This design was later completed and delivered by Iraqi architect Hisham Al Ashkouri who was selected by another member of the TAC team - Louis McMillen.

The building itself has become a modern heritage landmark in Abu Dhabi, undergoing a full renovation from 2008–18. The building now houses exhibition spaces, workshops and a children’s library (based on designs by Danish architects CEBRA). It regularly hosts live performances and has become a real social hub for the city and its residents.