5 notable exhibitions confirmed for Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi was borne of a unique relationship between France and the United Arab Emirates, fostered through appreciation of the arts.

Located on Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island, the building itself is considered an architectural accomplishment of renowned artist Jean Nouvel.

Sitting right on the waters edge, a unique and distinctive nest-like shell appears to float on top of the main structure. The striking dome of geometric and Arabian inspired shapes, offers visitors refuge from the sun and an alluring play on light and shade, as the waters glisten close-by.

Seasoned art and culture vultures will revel in the news that five major new exhibitions have been confirmed for the remaining 2023 season and the up-coming 2024 season, at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Picturing the Cosmos

July 18 2023 - June 2025

The season will kick off with an exhibition designed to capture the interest and imagination of children. The 'Picturing the Cosmos' exhibition will bridge the gap between children and the arts, by pivoting on space adventure and exploration.

Bringing children on a journey through space and interstellar navigation, Picturing the Cosmos will be an edutainment-style exhibition. The exhibition will explore known aspects of space and space travel, and wonderment of the sky, space and beyond and how it relates to art and culture.

Letters of Light

September 13 2023 - January 14 2024

The Letters of Light exhibit will launch in September as part of a collaboration between Louvre Abu Dhabi, Bibliothèque Nationale de France and France Muséums.

Showcasing and examining the holy books of the three Abrahamic religions — the Quran, the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Bible (Old and New Testaments). The exhibition will examine the historical context and the impact of these books on artistic history and more.

The exhibit will be underpinned by the shared values, meaning and messages of these holy books.

Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design

November 15 2023 - March 24 2024

An interesting showcase on how Islamic artistry and history has influenced luxury jewellery brand Cartier's designs.

Tracing the influence throughout the 20th century to the present day, this exhibition exhibition will display more than 500 of art, from Islamic jewellery to drawings, books, photographs, and other archival documents.

Art Here

November 21 2023 - February 2024

Art Here will be the final show of the 2023 season, and November will see the launch of this exhibition's third edition.

In collaboration with Swiss watch brand Richard Mille, this edition of the Art Here exhibition and competition, will run under the theme of ‘Transparencies’ and will be curated by founding director of the Athr Gallery, Maya El Khalil.

For the first time, the Art Here exhibit will take place outside in the shadows beneath the famed perforated floating dome of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The Art Here exhibit will offer contemporary artists the opportunity to showcase their works in one of the world's most famous artistic locations.

Fables from East and West: From Kalila wa Dimna to the Fables of La Fontaine

March 20 2024 - July 14 2024

Exploring the impact and influence of animal tales and fables on the ancient world, this exhibition looks at the history of fables on artworks from the past through to the modern world, and the influence of Ibn al-Muqaffa and Aesop.

It's thought that this genre of animal fables originated from both India and Greece; this exhibit looks at the manuscripts, painting and other artistic creations that have have been influenced by the history of storytelling.