Louvre Abu Dhabi: the First Global Museum in Arab World
Louvre Abu Dhabi recently unveiled a collection of new art pieces.
Some of which will be shown in the Gulf region for the first time.
These works, both borrowed and acquired, aim to highlight shared human stories and cultural connections.
Manuel Rabaté, the Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, emphasized the museum’s commitment to showcasing a diverse range of artworks.
These artworks obtained through loans or acquisitions from around the world.
As the first global museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi continually enriches its permanent collection by regularly introducing new artistic pieces, enhancing the experience for visitors.
Louvre Abu Dhabi Artworks
Among the notable acquisitions is a brass candlestick, adorned with gold and silver from Mosul, Iraq, dating back to around 1275.
This piece exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship and intricate aesthetics.
Reflecting the opulence and cultural richness of the Islamic metalwork during the medieval period.
Another remarkable work is the large quadrant astrolabe (Arabic quadrant) with inscriptions indicating prayer times.
It dates back to the 15th to 16th centuries and originates from either Morocco or Syria.
This sophisticated instrument played a crucial role in religious practices by determining prayer times.
Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection also includes a chair belonging to Queen Mother from the Ashanti Empire in Ghana during the 19th century.
Made of wood and adorned with silver, this chair highlights the artistic finesse and attention to detail of the Ashanti people.
Paintings From the Louvre Painting Department
Additionally, the museum has strengthened its collection through loans from partner museums and cultural institutions.
Notably, it received two paintings on loan from the Louvre’s painting department:
“Philosopher in Meditation” by Rembrandt van Rijn and “Young Man Sharpening His Pencil” by Jean-Baptiste Siméon Chardin.
Other acquisitions include a Spanish-Moroccan ceramic plate with bright blue decorations (circa 1456–1461) from Valencia.
As well as a round enameled dish depicting the punishment of Niobe by Diana and Apollo (16th century) from Limoges.
And an ivory jewelry box known as the “Al-Mughira Box” (968 CE) from the Islamic Arts section of the Louvre in Paris.
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Notable Islamic Artworks
One of the notable Islamic artworks that has joined the museum is the “Al-Mughira Jewelry Box.”
This box, made of ivory, was crafted in the city of Zahra in Spain in the year 968 CE.
It will be showed for the first time at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Offering visitors in the United Arab Emirates the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and historical significance behind its creation.
Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to reveal other artistic treasures acquired or borrowed during this year’s new art cycle.
Spanning ancient, modern, and contemporary works from around the world.
