Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi celebrates International Museum Day
This International Museum Day on Sunday May 18, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, is the ultimate destination for culture lovers.From ancient artefacts and contemporary exhibitions to immersive digital art and hands-on workshops, there's something to spark visitors' imagination with experiences continuing all month long.At the heart of it all is Louvre Abu Dhabi, offering free entry for UAE residents on May 18 from 10 am to midnight (galleries open until 8.30 pm).Visitors can explore global masterpieces, including Kings and Queens of Africa, a powerful exhibition running until May 25, celebrating the legacy and leadership of African monarchs through art and artefacts.Families can drop by the Children's Museum, where Picturing the Cosmos blends art, science and play in a creative space made for young minds.Plus, on May 18, art lovers can join the final Drawing at the Museum session (4.30 pm–6.30 pm), where a museum educator leads guests through sketching techniques inspired by the permanent collection.For a different kind of brushstroke, Bassam Freiha Art Foundation is hosting a textured art workshop, Art Beyond the Surface, on May 27 at 6 pm. The hands-on session encourages creative exploration through touch, texture and layered technique, no experience needed.A short stroll away, Manarat Al Saadiyat continues to be a vibrant hub for creativity. Its Art Studio offers daily workshops and drop-in sessions for all ages, covering everything from ceramics to painting.Meanwhile, a major exhibition in collaboration with the Seoul Museum of Art is on show until June 30, spotlighting Korea's dynamic contemporary art scene through bold themes and boundary-pushing works.Craving something more experimental? Step into teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, the island's newest immersive art experience.Now open, this 17,000-square-metre space invites guests to explore 20+ interactive artworks that blur the line between technology, nature and art, where no two visits are the same.
Looking ahead, Saadiyat Island continues to shape the future of culture in the region with the much-anticipated arrival of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. These landmark institutions will add even more depth, diversity and global relevance to the island's already rich cultural offering.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 days ago
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Louvre Abu Dhabi has revealed it's exhibition line-up for the next year and it's stacked
The new cultural season is here and Louvre Abu Dhabi isn't pulling any punches. The museum has just revealed its full 2025–2026 programme – and it's a knockout. We're talking dynasties, darkness, dancing light and a certain Spanish artist who needs no introduction. Louvre Abu Dhabi is diving headfirst into global history and contemporary creativity, showcasing everything from medieval powerhouses to modern masters. With heavyweight partnerships including Musée du Louvre, Musée national Picasso-Paris and Richard Mille, this next chapter promises art, innovation and dazzling cross-cultural storytelling. Here's your exclusive sneak peek into the season: Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire Sept 17, 2025 – Jan 25, 2026 The season kicks off in glorious style with a deep dive into the mighty Mamluk Sultanate – a dynasty that ruled swathes of the Islamic world for over 250 years. Think Egypt, the Levant, parts of Turkey and Saudi Arabia's holy sites – all under one powerful banner. Expect intricate craftsmanship, epic diplomacy and a visual journey through a golden age of Islamic art. Centrepieces include Reception of a Venetian Delegation by the Mamluk Governor of Damascus and the jaw-dropping Baptistery of Saint Louis. This exhibition brings together masterpieces from Musée du Louvre and Louvre Abu Dhabi's own collection. Art Here 2025 and Richard Mille Art Prize Oct 8 – Dec 28, 2025 Back for its fifth edition, Art Here is getting even bolder. Curated by Swiss-Japanese powerhouse Sophie Mayuko Arni, this year's theme is Shadows, drawing on the interplay between light and darkness – with nods to both Japanese and Arabian Gulf traditions. Expect massive, immersive works from artists based in the GCC, MENA and Japan, with one lucky creative scooping the coveted Richard Mille Art Prize. It's big. It's bright. And it's brimming with meaning. Picasso, the Figure Jan 19 – May 31, 2026 Yes, that Picasso. This huge exhibition zooms in on the Spanish icon's lifelong obsession with the human figure – from mythological musings to surrealist contortions. Featuring more than just canvases, the show will include sculpture, drawings and rarely seen masterpieces. Standouts include Woman with a Mandolin (1911), Portrait of a Seated Woman (Olga) (1923) and Woman Sitting in Front of the Window (1937), all exploring how Picasso warped, twisted and reinvented the human form. But that's not all. The museum is set to host a range of cultural and educational events alongside the headline exhibitions, plus a new immersive experience that hasn't yet been revealed (but our curiosity is thoroughly piqued). From centuries-old empires to avant-garde experiments, Louvre Abu Dhabi's 2025–2026 season is shaping up to be its most ambitious yet. Whether you're into ancient artefacts or modern masterpieces, there's something here that'll absolutely blow your artistic mind. From Dhs65. Open Tues-Thu, 10am-6:30pm (exhibition), Fri-Sun, 10am-8:30pm. Closed on Mon. Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, . You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
What's On
3 days ago
- What's On
Enjoy a UAE residents discount and new experiences this summer at Louvre Abu Dhabi
Art lovers, rejoice! Louvre Abu Dhabi is offering a 30% discount on entry tickets exclusively for UAE residents this summer, making it a perfect time to explore the museum's collections. Book your tickets online on where you will pay just Dhs45.50 per person. On the day of your visit, just carry your Emirates ID card. New masterpieces If you visit Louvre Abu Dhabi regularly, make time to explore its new masterpiece. New exhibition on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi New acquisitions include Kota Reliquary Figure from Gabon attributed to Sébé River Master of the Skull Head, a limestone Head of an Ephebe (pictured above) and a casket from the Kingdom of Kotte, Ceylon (ca. 1543). A number of paintings also now call the Louvre Abu Dhabi home, including The Rialto Bridge from the South (c. 1720) by Giovanni Antonio Canal, The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis (1800) – a rare Neoclassical painting by Charles Meynier, and Portrait of Kosa Pan (1686) by Antoine Benoist. Fan of Wassily Kandinsky? Look out for his White Oval (1921). Una Bulaqueña – Juan Luna y Novicio (Badoc 1857–Hong Kong, 1899) | National Museum of the Philippines And for a limited time, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is displaying masterpieces from Musée du Louvre, Centre Pompidou and the National Museum of the Philippines. Highlights include the sarcophagus of Livia Primitiva (c. 250 CE) – one of the earliest known examples of Christian funerary art, a sarcophagus of Livia Primitiva by French painter Antoinette Cécile Hortense Haudebourt-Lescot, and Grand Blanc horizontal (1962), a monumental mixed-media work by Antoni Tàpies Another one not to miss is Una Bulaqueña (1895) painted by Juan Luna, one of the most celebrated Filipino artists. On loan from the National Museum of the Philippines, it will remain at Louvre Abu Dhabi for a year, offering visitors a profound insight into Filipino identity, history, and artistic expression. Picturing the Cosmos For little ones in tow, don't miss the Children's Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Picturing the Cosmos is an interstellar journey that will teleport visitors to space. The three awe-inspiring floors blends art and interactive games and is perfect for little ones above the age of four. The best news? Children under the age of 18 can enter for free. Book here. An all-new VR experience The Quantum Dome Project | Louvre Abu Dhabi VR experience While the Louvre Abu Dhabi is home to around 600 works of art, you can experience so much more with its new experience, The Quantum Dome Project. It will teleport back in time across different time periods – ancient Rome, medieval Baghdad and Mughal-era India – all via a cool VR experience. You will need to book your session in advance. Arrive at least 15 minutes beforehand. For more information, visit > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
Louvre Abu Dhabi reveals jury panel, shortlisted artists for Art Here 2025 and Richard Mille Art Prize
31 July 2025 15:20 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Louvre Abu Dhabi and Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille return for the fifth edition of their groundbreaking annual exhibition and competition, Art Here and the Richard Mille Art Prize, deepening their shared commitment to showcasing contemporary art from the region and beyond within the global creative to open under Louvre Abu Dhabi's iconic dome on October 11 until December 28, Art Here 2025, conceptualised by guest curator Sophie Mayuko Arni, invited artists to respond to the theme Shadows, a concept exploring the interplay between light and absence, visibility and concealment, and the layered dimensions of memory, identity, and transformation. Reflecting the richness of regional creativity, this year's edition welcomed more than 400 proposals from artists based in the GCC and Japan, along with artists from the MENA region with a GCC jury of Art Here 2025 consists of a distinguished panel of members. It includes His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Founder of UAE Unlimited, and a Board Member of the British Museum and Centre Pompidou, as well as a prominent patron and collector of arts who has been instrumental in supporting the UAE's emerging artists. Also on the jury are Dr Guilhem André, Director of the Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi and a seasoned art historian, and Maya Allison, founding Executive Director of the Art Galleries and Chief Curator at New York University Abu them for this edition are acclaimed international curators Yuko Hasegawa, Visiting Professor at Graduate School of Management at Kyoto University and former Director of 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and Sophie Mayuko Arni, a Swiss Japanese Curator and founding Editor of Global Art Daily, known for fostering cultural exchange between the Gulf and Japan through her innovative curatorial Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "Now in its fifth edition, Art Here continues to grow as a platform for dialogue and discovery, bringing together emerging artistic voices from across the region and, for the first time, Japan. With the support of our valued partner Richard Mille and our esteemed jury, we are proud to share that the calibre and number of proposals received this year reflect the region's growing creative momentum and the expanding reach of the initiative. This announcement reaffirms Louvre Abu Dhabi's commitment to championing contemporary art and fostering creative exchange across borders, rooted within the dynamic cultural landscape of Saadiyat Cultural District."Peter Harrison, CEO Richard Mille EMEA, said: "Art Here and the Richard Mille Art Prize have become a key part of our ongoing support for contemporary art. The expansion into Japan reflects our shared vision with Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to build meaningful connections between artists and audiences across different contexts. The quality and thoughtfulness of this year's proposals show a growing maturity in the regional and global art scene and a strong appetite for dialogue through art."Six proposals by seven exceptional artists, each bringing a unique cultural perspective and creative approach, have been selected to be showcased under the museum's dome. The artists are Ahmed Al-Aqra, a Palestinian architect, artist, and researcher known for his work investigating spatial practices, often using a multidisciplinary approach combining art, philosophy, and architecture. Jumairy, an Emirati artist and musician, creates digital performances that explore inner emotions and blur the line between what is real and virtual. The work of Japanese artist Ryoichi Kurokawa sits at the intersection of art and technology, combining sound and visuals in highly detailed, immersive installations. Pakistan-born and currently residing in the UAE, Hamra Abbas brings a contemporary perspective to traditional Islamic art, exploring ideas around faith, gender, and memory shaped by her experience across different cultures. Japanese artist Rintaro Fuse uses painting, film, and poetry to reflect on modern urban life in his thoughtful work, capturing feelings of isolation and disconnection in today's digital world. Lastly, the architectural duo Takuma Yokomae from Japan and Dr Ghali Bouayad from Morocco, who go by the name YOKOMAE et BOUAYAD, collaborate on projects that blend design traditions from Tokyo and Marrakesh, experimenting with form, pattern, and technology. Together, this group of artists offers more than just creative work; they share deeply personal perspectives on identity, culture, and the world we live Guilhem André, Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "The evolution of Art Here over its five editions has seen it become a flagship exhibition for Louvre Abu Dhabi, one that embraces diversity and nurtures emerging talents. This year's expansion into Japan marks a deliberate curatorial shift that deepens cross-cultural dialogue between the Gulf and East Asia, broadening the scope of artistic engagement and reaffirming our role as a hub for both regional and international creativity. As we continue to support and elevate emerging voices from the UAE and the region, we are equally committed to cultivating new creative bridges across continents, reflecting our sustained belief that contemporary art is a powerful lens through which we can understand our shared humanity and experiences.'Sophie Mayuko Arni, Curator of Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2025, said: "I am deeply honoured to curate this year's edition of Art Here and thrilled to see such a positive response from artists across the region and Japan. The theme of Shadows allowed for wide interpretations of outdoor installations, and the sheer number of proposals received speaks volumes about the relevance of Art Here and the Richard Mille Art Prize at Louvre Abu Dhabi. Expanding the geographical reach of the Prize may come with challenges, but fostering cross-cultural understanding sits at the heart of the museum's mission and provides artists with new horizons to dream and imagine. From many strong submissions, shortlisting the six commissioned artworks was a very difficult task. I would like to thank the stellar jury for a joint effort to reach the final selection."The announcement of this year's jury and shortlisted artists signals the next phase of a growing curatorial dialogue that spans the Gulf, Japan, and the wider region. As the artists begin developing their works, Art Here 2025 continues to push the boundaries of regional collaboration and artistic expression, inviting new interpretations of shadow, space, and cultural resonance within the evolving universal narrative of Louvre Abu Dhabi. For more details on Art Here and the Richard Mille Art Prize, please visit Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
