As the Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manuel Rabaté gives us a look into the museum’s rich cultural journey and dissects the intricacies of juggling cultures and art
In the heart of the UAE and the first to grace the Saadiyat Cultural District, the Louvre Abu Dhabi stands as a pillar of cultural convergence.
More than just an art museum; it is a testament to the universal connections that bind civilisations across the ages.
Originating in Paris, the Louvre is synonymous with the rich tapestry of art and culture. Having extended this legacy into Abu Dhabi, the museum is a bridge between East and West, where the past and present converge in a harmonious dance of exhibits and narratives. The main curation serves as the foundational thread, weaving together the diverse stories that span continents.
“So there is a first level of curation, which is to choose the topics that will make sense and that will illustrate the diversity of all the civilisations. Because we’re universal, but at the same time, we want to be relevant to the region. So, the first little bit of curation, I would say is by seasons, you see the perfect balance,” Rabaté explains.
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The ongoing exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi reflect this delicate balance—a symphony of cultures echoing through the corridors. Starting with the Letter of Light, an exhibition that explores the scriptures of all three Abrahamic faiths, the work imbued is immense and the results – extraordinary.
Moving on to Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design; which recently opened to highlight the influence of the Islamic arts on Cartier’s design from the past to present. Each display is a carefully selected chapter, contributing to the larger narrative of human history.
As the first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi aims to not just showcase artefacts, but also foster an interactive dialogue with the material, creating a dynamic experience for visitors.
In addition to the above exhibitions, the museum is currently in the middle of hosting the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2023, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work in the prestigious and gorgeous outdoors.
While staying true to its roots in Paris, the museum under Manuel Rabaté’s care has grown to become part of Abu Dhabi’s community and cultural history. The same is best evidenced through their resilience in the pandemic.
“Before COVID-19, people living in the UAE were curious, they were part of the audience, but the bigger mass came from international tourism,” Rabate reflects on the challenges posed by the global pandemic.
“During COVID-19, we were left with our community here. And while we already had a good segment of them coming, they keep on coming. So we were able to work with Emiratis, with the old segments or nationality, families. We classified them by nationality, age, interests, and professions to create interactive works. And that created very strong bonds, I think that remains.”
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In a rapidly changing environment, the museum actively participates in social sustainability, contributing to the development of a cohesive social fabric.
Louvre Abu Dhabi has implemented internal practices, establishing a task force dedicated to sustainability.
“We have an internal task force working on these topics, which is why we’re constantly trying to add better practices. Being sustainable is not like switching immediately, it takes time. It is the process of improving recycling, reusing, and analysing. We have understood that and hope to showcase that across the museum, creating a place of reflection,” Rabate concludes.
For more information, visit louvreabudhabi.ae
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