Situated on Dubai’s Waterfront, the Etihad Museum honors the founding of the United Arab Emirates, celebrating the rich culture and history of its people. The dramatic entrance pavilion rests lightly upon a reflecting pool and plaza, its undulating parabolic curves representing the parchment upon which the unification agreement was written and its tapering golden columns representing the pens with which the document was signed. A carefully crafted experience takes pavilion visitors below grade to the underground museum, where key programs cluster around generous courtyards and skylights.