Discover Newest Treasures And Timeless Elegance At Louvre Abu Dhabi: Medieval Craftsmanship To Asante Heritage
Louvre Abu Dhabi has introduced new loans and acquisitions in its galleries, many of which are being displayed for the first time in the GCC region. These additions aim to highlight cross-cultural connections and reflect the museum's dedication to showcasing human creativity, attracting both new and returning visitors.
The museum's latest acquisitions include a Gold and Silver inlaid Brass Candlestick from Iraq, Mosul, dating back to around 1275. This piece exemplifies medieval Islamic metalwork with its intricate craftsmanship and sophisticated aesthetic, reflecting the opulence of that era.
Another notable acquisition is a Large Arabic Astrolabe Quadrant with Prayer Lines from the 15th to 16th century Maghreb or Syria. This instrument was used for astronomical measurements and navigation, playing a crucial role in religious practices by determining prayer times. It showcases advanced scientific knowledge and exquisite craftsmanship.
The Asante Stool of the Queen Mother from 19th century Ghana is also on display. This wooden piece adorned with silver represents the rich heritage and artistic skill of the Asante people, highlighting their attention to detail.
The museum's collection features significant loans from partner museums. The Musée du Louvre has contributed masterpieces such as Rembrandt van Rijn's "The Philosopher in Contemplation" (Leiden 1606 –1669) and Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin's "Young Draughtsman Sharpening his Pencil" (Paris 1699 – 1779). These pieces are currently on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Other notable loans include a Colossal Statue of Isis from the Department of Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities at Musée du Louvre. Additionally, there is a statue of Mercure from their Sculptures Department. The Colossal Statue of Isis dates back to 117-138 during Hadrian's reign.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, stated: "As the first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi is committed to curating a diverse and expansive collection through global loans and acquisitions. Our mission is to highlight the rich tapestry of human history spanning different cultures.
"By regularly introducing new artworks, we continually grow our permanent collection, enriching the experience for our visitors. We deeply appreciate the generosity of our partners, with the support of France museums, and the robust collaboration with cultural institutions worldwide, which are crucial in making these signification artworks accessible by museumgoers and art lovers in the UAE."
Louvre Abu Dhabi plans to unveil more acquisitions and loans later this year. These will include ancient, modern, and contemporary masterpieces from around the world. Highlights will feature a Hispano-moresque earthenware blue and lustred armorial charger (1456 – 1461) from Valencia; and a Circular Limoges enamel charger depicting Niobe’s punishment by Diana and Apollo (16th century) by Pierre Courtoys after Giulio Romano.
A significant Islamic artwork on loan is the Pyxis in the name of Al-Mughira from Madinat al-Zahra in Spain. Crafted in 968 CE, this ivory container will be displayed at Louvre Abu Dhabi for the first time. Its departure from Musée du Louvre marks an important moment for UAE visitors to appreciate its craftsmanship.
In 2023, Louvre Abu Dhabi welcomed over 1.2 million visitors due to various factors including prominent exhibitions enhancing its permanent collection. Increased visits to the Children's Museum also contributed significantly along with unprecedented engagement with educational programs offered by Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Outdoor activities held on museum premises played a notable role as well, contributing about 10% to total visitor numbers. These activities have helped boost overall engagement with both local residents and international tourists.
Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to enrich its offerings through strategic acquisitions and collaborations with global cultural institutions. This approach not only enhances visitor experiences but also underscores its commitment to celebrating human creativity across cultures.
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