Abu Dhabi, UAE — Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced a bold and diverse exhibition programme for its upcoming 2025–2026 season. The new calendar features a compelling lineup of exhibitions, celebrating centuries of human creativity across different geographies and artistic traditions. With an emphasis on cultural storytelling, artistic exchange, and innovation, the season strengthens the museum’s mission as a global crossroads for art and ideas.
Season Launch: Mamluks — Legacy of an Empire
Kicking off the season is Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire, a significant historical exhibition organized in collaboration with Musée du Louvre and France Muséums. Scheduled from 17 September 2025 to 25 January 2026, this exhibition offers a deep exploration into the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517), a dominant dynasty that shaped Islamic civilization for over 250 years.
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Curated by Dr. Souraya Noujaim and Dr. Carine Juvin, with support from Fakhera Alkindi at Louvre Abu Dhabi, the exhibition showcases rare artifacts that highlight the Mamluks’ cultural and geopolitical influence from Egypt and the Levant to the Hejaz and parts of Anatolia. Key pieces include the famed Baptistery of Saint Louis and Reception of a Venetian Delegation, along with treasures from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s own collection such as a 15th-century Carpet Decorated with Three Medallions from Egypt.
Spotlight on Contemporary Art: Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2025
From 8 October to 28 December 2025, the museum will host the fifth edition of Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here in collaboration with luxury watchmaker Richard Mille. This contemporary showcase will present shortlisted works by artists from the GCC, Japan, and the wider MENA region who are connected to the Gulf.
This year’s theme, Shadows, curated by Sophie Mayuko Arni, encourages artists to examine the poetic and symbolic interaction between light and darkness, inspired by Arabian Gulf and Japanese aesthetics. One standout artist will be honored with the 2025 Richard Mille Art Prize at the conclusion of the exhibit.
A Master’s Vision: Picasso, the Figure
Launching on 19 January and running through 31 May 2026, Picasso, the Figure promises a rare journey through the creative evolution of one of the 20th century’s most iconic artists. In partnership with Musée national Picasso-Paris and France Muséums, the exhibition will trace Pablo Picasso’s reimagination of the human form across painting, sculpture, and drawing.
Curated by Cécile Debray, Virginie Perdrisot, and Aisha AlAhmadi, the exhibit presents masterpieces ranging from Picasso’s early works to his late-career creations. Visitors will experience celebrated pieces such as Woman with a Mandolin (Miss Léonie Seated) (1911) and Portrait of a Seated Woman (Olga) (1923), along with the evocative Woman Sitting in Front of the Window (1937) on loan from Paris.
Leadership Perspective
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, emphasized the museum’s commitment to cultural inclusivity and artistic discovery:
“This season we build meaningful bridges between Eastern and Western traditions, highlighting artworks that reflect humanity’s shared heritage and vision. Our exhibitions continue to offer immersive journeys into creativity across ages.”
Dr. Guilhem André, the museum’s Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management, added:
“Our role is to connect visitors with timeless stories through the language of art. These exhibitions will unveil the invisible threads that unite civilizations and illuminate the evolution of artistic expression.”
Beyond the Galleries
In addition to the major exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi will offer an expansive public programme of immersive experiences, cultural events, and educational workshops aimed at inspiring dialogue and discovery. The 2025–2026 season promises to be a celebration of global artistry, from ancient dynasties to avant-garde innovations.
Final Thoughts
With its diverse and ambitious programming, Louvre Abu Dhabi reaffirms its place at the heart of the global art community. From the grandeur of the Mamluk Empire to the intimate evolution of Picasso’s vision, and the boldness of contemporary artists shaping tomorrow, the season ahead is set to captivate audiences and ignite cross-cultural conversations.