Louvre Abu Dhabi Unveils Landmark Exhibitions for 2025–2026

A Global Season Begins: February 2025

The season kicks off in February 2025 with "The Silver Age: Origins of Globalisation," a deep exploration into how ancient trade networks—particularly across Asia, Africa, and Europe—shaped early global cultural exchange. This exhibition will run until June 2025, drawing from significant archaeological finds and rare artifacts.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, expressed: “Our upcoming exhibitions reflect Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ongoing mission to create enriching, thought-provoking experiences for all visitors. This season, we’re proud to present a powerful dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic traditions—highlighting masterpieces that celebrate both cultural heritage and creative innovation. Through these thoughtfully curated exhibitions, the museum continues to serve as a platform for meaningful exchange, encouraging a deeper understanding of artistic expression across diverse cultures and historical eras.”

Where Art Meets the Stars: July to November 2025

From July to November 2025, "Art and Astronomy" will take center stage. This imaginative exhibition bridges science and art, showcasing how various civilizations have viewed and represented the cosmos. Islamic star maps, Renaissance sketches, and cutting-edge space-inspired works will offer a celestial journey across centuries.

Dr. Guilhem André, Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management at Louvre Abu Dhabi, stated: “Our goal is to create a space where art becomes a bridge between cultures—encouraging visitors to explore a rich tapestry of artistic traditions and perspectives, from ancient civilizations to the contemporary world. These exhibitions offer a unique chance to uncover the links between movements and histories, fostering a deeper appreciation for creativity and the shared narratives that connect us all.”

The Human Face Through Time: December 2025 to April 2026

In December 2025, Louvre Abu Dhabi will unveil "Portraits: Faces Through Time." Running through April 2026, this compelling exhibition presents portraits from ancient to contemporary periods, exploring how identity, status, and emotion are captured through sculpture, painting, and photography. From Roman emperors to modern icons, the face becomes a canvas for history.

A Mediterranean Revival: May to August 2026

Concluding the season in May 2026 is "Mediterranean Modernities." This exhibit turns the spotlight on the Mediterranean’s rich artistic heritage, featuring works from North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East. Focused on the 20th century, it highlights how these regions influenced and responded to modern art movements—often overlooked in Western-centric narratives.

Picasso, the Figure

Presented in collaboration with the Musée national Picasso-Paris and France Muséums, "Picasso, the Figure" delves into Pablo Picasso’s groundbreaking approach to representing the human form. Spanning painting, sculpture, and drawing, the exhibition traces the evolution of his figurative work—from early 20th-century explorations to the dynamic innovations of his later years. Through these diverse techniques, Picasso continually reimagined form, emotion, and identity, ultimately reshaping the course of modern art.

Curated by Cécile Debray (President, Musée national Picasso-Paris), Virginie Perdrisot (Chief Curator and Head of Sculpture, Ceramics and Giacometti Furniture, Musée national Picasso-Paris), and Aisha AlAhmadi (Curatorial Assistant, Louvre Abu Dhabi), the exhibition offers a rare and intimate view into the artist’s lifelong experimentation with the human figure across distinct periods of his prolific career.

Among the key highlights are Woman with a Mandolin (Miss Léonie Seated) (1911) and Portrait of a Seated Woman (Olga) (1923), both from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection. These are presented alongside exceptional loans from the Musée national Picasso-Paris, including the striking Woman Sitting in Front of the Window (1937). Together, these works illuminate Picasso’s enduring fascination with the human body as a vessel for expression, transformation, and artistic reinvention.

Global Partnerships, Local Impact

The 2025–2026 lineup reflects Louvre Abu Dhabi’s growing network of international collaborators, including the Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou. These partnerships enable access to world-renowned collections while supporting the UAE’s vision of becoming a global cultural capital.

Alongside its major exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi will present a vibrant array of cultural and educational programmes, including a new immersive experience and a series of engaging events aimed at sparking curiosity, conversation, and deeper cultural understanding. The 2025–2026 season promises to be a rich celebration of creativity, artistic discovery, and meaningful exchange between cultures.

The Louvre’s evolving programme fuels broader ambitions—attracting international visitors, supporting education, and enriching the creative economy. Its presence continues to elevate Saadiyat Island as a premier destination for art, luxury living, and cultural investment.