Louvre Abu Dhabi tells fresh narratives as new masterpieces enter its ever-evolving galleries
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)New masterpieces from across centuries and continents have joined Louvre Abu Dhabi's ever-evolving galleries, captivating both first-time and returning visitors.The new selection includes works from antiquity to modernity, from a 1st-century Roman cameo and a 3rd-century Christian sarcophagus to striking modern compositions by Wassily Kandinsky, Alberto Giacometti, and Antoni Tapies.Behind the curation was the Scientific, Curatorial and Collection Management team, including Emirati professionals — Amna Al Zaabi, Fakhera Alkindi, Aisha Al Ahmadi, Mariam Al Dhaheri, and Rawdha AlAbdouli — who played a key role in developing the displays. They worked closely with international partner institutions to conduct research, secure loans, and build the collection.
In an interview with Aletihad , Alkindi, a senior curatorial assistant at the museum, shares a glimpse of the meticulous process of curating artworks for the exhibition. 'Our role as a museum is to tell the stories of people that have become important from the beginning of history to this day. We always strive … to make sure that every visitor finds himself in the exhibition,' she said.A significant amount of research go into selecting and documenting the artworks, but presenting the narrative to the public is another story, Alkindi said.
'We don't present history from one academic lens; we incorporate multiple perspectives. This allows us to represent our region and others, and present a story that belongs to all of humanity,' she told Aletihad . Louvre Abu Dhabi's latest display features a blend of new acquisitions and prestigious international loans. Every piece that entered the museum had undergone full documentation, Alkindi said.
Expanding the Museum's Permanent CollectionThe museum's growing permanent collection now includes a Kota Reliquary Figure from Gabon, attributed to the Sébé River Master of the Skull Head — highlighting global traditions of spiritual guardianship. Another rare addition is a Roman cameo (c. 37–41 CE), possibly portraying Agrippa Postumus, displayed among exquisite gold artefacts.A 5th-century BCE limestone Head of an Ephebe from Cyprus and a richly detailed 16th-century casket from the Kingdom of Kotte (Sri Lanka) further exemplify the museum's cross-cultural scope.Notable paintings include Giovanni Antonio Canal's 'The Rialto Bridge from the South' (c. 1720), Charles Meynier's 'The Farewell of Telemachus and Eucharis' (1800), and a portrait of Siamese ambassador Kosa Pan by Antoine Benoist (1686). A particularly vibrant acquisition is Kandinsky's 'White Oval' (1921), an abstract work demonstrating the artist's deep engagement with colour and form.
Strengthening Global Partnerships Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to benefit from strong relationships with international institutions such as the Musée du Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and the National Museum of the Philippines. These partnerships have enabled the display of iconic pieces like the Sarcophagus of Livia Primitiva (c. 250 CE), one of the earliest Christian funerary sculptures, and Portrait of the Artist (1825) by Antoinette Cécile Hortense Haudebourt-Lescot, which affirms her role as a pioneering female artist.Among the most significant loans is Juan Luna's Una Bulaqueña (1895), considered a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines. Making its debut outside the country, the painting captures an idealised image of Filipina identity, strength, and grace.Two powerful bronze figures -Giacometti's Femme de Venise V (1956) and Germaine Richier's L'Orage (1947–48) - explore the modern interpretation of the human figure. These are complemented by Antoni Tapies 'monumental mixed-media work Grand blanc horizontal (1962), which adds a contemporary edge to the museum's storytelling.
A Living Museum Chief Curator Jérôme Farigoule emphasised the importance of rigorous research and diversifying the museum's displays.'The museum's narrative is constantly evolving, as displays are switched up regularly,' he said.'While a major rotation takes place every year to enrich the museum's collection, minor rotations take place throughout the year for sensitive artworks that cannot be exhibited for extended periods. Refreshing the collection with newly acquired and loaned artworks creates a new narrative and invites visitors to discover connections between cultures, time periods and artistic expressions,' he added.
Through its new acquisitions and loans, Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to serve as a vibrant space for cultural connection, artistic dialogue, and shared human history-proving that art, across time and geography, remains a universal language.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
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