image003

Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories

Latest additions to the Museum’s Permanent Collection to be showcased at
Manarat Al Saadiyat from 21 June – 30 August 2015

All India, 26th June 2015 : Continuing the display of its collection to the public ahead of opening, Louvre Abu Dhabi will show the latest additions in Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories. Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 21 June to 30 August 2015. The showcase of the new acquisitions will be divided into two displays Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Al Qalam (21 June – 25 July 2015) and Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures (28 July – 30 August 2015). Both presentations will include the important Fayoum portrait, a fine example of an Egyptian funerary painting that would traditionally have been placed on the face of a mummified body.

The first display, Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Al Qalam, will run from 21 June to 25 July 2015 and will explore the art of the written word, featuring a broad selection of textual artworks including a Qur’an bifolio, miniatures, and a manuscript. The second display, Louvre Abu Dhabi Stories: Immortal Figures, will run from 28 July to 30 August 2015 and is a celebration of sculptures from across the globe.  This selection will include a wooden carving Uli statue from New Ireland, a Nepalese gilt copper figure of Maitreya, and an Italian bust of Saint Peter Martyr. The selected artworks that will be shown during the two displays were acquired in 2014 as part of the ongoing acquisitions for Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Celine Pouyat, Senior Project Manager, Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “The objects on display exemplify how artworks created by different civilisations can complement one another in their composition, style and representation. Together, these artistic creations can be considered as a harmonised symphony.”

Hissa Al Dhaheri, Programmes Manager, Louvre Abu Dhabi said: “Supported by an interactive public programme developed to engage communities of all backgrounds, interests and age, Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to  showcase its growing collection to local and international audiences. This display will give the public the opportunity to view the museum’s growing permanent collection ahead of its opening, broadening awareness of both the museum’s curatorial identity and narrative.”

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection comprises more than 500 artworks which will be complemented by approximately 300 loans from major French institutions in its opening year. The museum will adopt a unique curatorial trail that moves away from the traditional compartmentalisation of artworks and artefacts by their geographical origins or traditional chronologies of art history; instead, works from different cultures and civilisations will be shown side by side to highlight the similarities and differences in how common themes are explored.

Opening timings of Manarat Al Saadiyat during Ramadan will be from 09:00 to 14:00 and 20:30 to 23:30 and from 9:00 to 20:00 after Ramadan. Public programmes and workshops will coincide with the display. Full details will be available soon at www.louvreabudhabi.ae

Once complete, the Saadiyat Island Culture District will showcase Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Construction of Louvre Abu Dhabi is well underway. Preparatory structural works have been completed for Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. An updated timeline for the launch will be announced in due course.

-ENDS-

ABOUT LOUVRE ABU DHABI
Born of an intergovernmental agreement between the Abu Dhabi government and France in 2007, Louvre Abu Dhabi will be a universal museum in the Middle-East translating the spirit of openness and dialogue of cultures. Designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, the museum will display works of historical, cultural and sociological significance from the most ancient to the most contemporary. Spanning millennia, artworks on display will originate from civilisations all over the world with universal themes and common influences highlighted to illustrate similarities and exchanges arising from shared human experience transcending geography, nationality and history. The originality of the museum narrative trail resides in presenting these civilisations in the same spaces, galleries, rooms or gallery cabinet. In its opening year Louvre Abu Dhabi will display more than 500 works from its permanent collection with more than 300 works loaned from 13 important French institutions. Beyond the gallery space, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ‘museum city’ will offer late openings, an auditorium, restaurants, shops, promenades and gardens, to provide visitors with a new perspective of the holistic museum experience in the Arab World.

ABOUT SAADIYAT CULTURAL DISTRICT
Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, is devoted to culture and the arts. An ambitious cultural undertaking of the 21st century, it will be a nucleus for global culture, attracting local, regional and international visitors with unique exhibitions, permanent collections, productions and performances. Its iconic buildings will form a historical statement on the finest 21st century architecture; Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. These museums will complement and collaborate with local and regional arts and cultural institutions including Universities and Research Centres.


ABOUT ABU DHABI TOURISM & CULTURE AUTHORITY
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The authority supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.

For more information please contact:
Pukhraj Varshneya
PR and Brand Executive
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority
India
Tel: +91 11 23737348, +91 9810871469 Fax: +91 11 23350270
Email: PVarshneya@tcaabudhabi.ae