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There was quite some buzz here in the capital last week, as the latest Mission: Impossible movie 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' was due to have its Middle East premiere at the Emirates Palace hotel. The movie cast and crew flew into the new Abu Dhabi Midfield terminal the day prior. This new terminal is yet to open for business but as parts of the movie were actually shot there, the first time the public will see it is from those scenes in the movie.

Tom Cruise also unveiled the custom Mission: Impossible livery on one of the Etihad Boeing 787s, in celebration of the film.

(Image borrowed from here)

Even though there are no scenes in this movie from the museum, Tom Cruise still picked the Louvre Abu Dhabi as the location for his press junket. Understandably, what better backdrop could you have?!

The excitement was total though the following day when - on their time off - Tom Cruise, Pom Klementieff, Christopher McQuarrie and their entourage turned up at the museum to have lunch at the Fouquets restaurant; and... tour parts of the galleries!

I was lucky enough to be at work this afternoon, but no, I didn't deliver the tour. I was there though on the sideline, supporting during the visit. Look see, I made this fan photo I found on the internet!

The museum was open as normal, although each room we entered was cleared as we moved through. Other visitors quickly gathered at the entrance and exit of each room to catch a glimpse, so afterward quite a few photos and videos turned up online from his visit.

For someone who grew up watching Top Gun, Cocktail and of course the whole Mission: Impossible franchise, I must admit it was pretty cool to see this Hollywood legend up close.
Although the nicest thing was actually that he seemed so very genuinely interested and was rather knowledgeable. There was a lot of interesting conversation at several of the artwork he was shown.
He was also very happy and friendly, chatted with a few fans, waved at even more, and didn't mind getting photographed; even though it was a private visit. He certainly made the visit special for those who unexpectedly came across him in the galleries!