Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced an impressive lineup of exhibitions for the 2025-2026 season, which will feature artistic works spanning centuries and continents. This upcoming season emphasizes historical legacies, contemporary expressions, and innovative collaborations, reinforcing the museum’s mission to serve as a center for cultural dialogue and artistic exploration.

The season will kick off with “Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire,” organized in partnership with Musée du Louvre and France Muséums. This exhibition will delve into the influential Mamluk dynasty, which ruled from 1250 to 1517, and its significant cultural impact across a wide territory. Following this, “Art Here 2025” and the Richard Mille Art Prize, also in partnership with Richard Mille, will focus on contemporary artists from the GCC and Japan, as well as those from the MENA region with connections to the GCC. A major highlight, “Picasso, the Figure,” will be organized in collaboration with Musée national Picasso-Paris and France Muséums, exploring Picasso’s innovative approaches to the human form and his engagement with various themes throughout his artistic career.

As reported by Gulf News, Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, talked about the museum’s dedication to providing enriching experiences through its exhibitions. He stated, “Louvre Abu Dhabi’s exhibitions embody our commitment to offering visitors enriching and inspiring experiences.” This season promises a captivating dialogue between Eastern and Western artistic traditions, showcasing masterpieces that celebrate heritage and innovation.

Dr. Guilhem André, the museum’s Director of Scientific, Curatorial, and Collections Management, noted the goal of these exhibitions is to create a space where art acts as a bridge between cultures. He mentioned that the exhibitions invite visitors to engage with diverse artistic traditions, enhancing appreciation for creativity and shared human narratives.

The “Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire” exhibition, running from 17 September 2025 to 25 January 2026, will present the rich heritage of the Mamluk Sultanate through an impressive collection of objects. The Mamluk Sultanate controlled territories that included Egypt and parts of the Levant, as well as significant Islamic holy sites. Jointly curated by Dr. Souraya Noujaim from Musée du Louvre and Dr. Carine Juvin, this exhibition will reveal the Mamluks’ vital role in international exchanges linking Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Key pieces on loan from Musée du Louvre will include “Reception of a Venetian Delegation by the Mamluk Governor of Damascus” (1500-1540) and “Baptistery of Saint Louis” (c. 1330–1340), which exemplify the heights of Mamluk artistry. Additionally, the exhibition will feature “Carpet Decorated with Three Medallions,” produced in Egypt in the late 15th century, from the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s own collection.

The “Art Here 2025” exhibition and Richard Mille Art Prize will take place from 8 October 2025 to 28 December 2025. This fifth edition, curated by Swiss Japanese curator Sophie Mayuko Arni, will focus on the theme “Shadows,” encouraging contemporary artists to explore the interactions of light and darkness. The exhibition will showcase site-specific monumental works that reflect on how these elements shape cultural narratives. An outstanding artist will be awarded the Richard Mille Art Prize in December 2025.

“Picasso, the Figure,” scheduled from 19 January to 31 May 2026, will survey Pablo Picasso’s evolving portrayal of the human figure through various techniques, including painting and sculpture. Jointly curated by experts from Musée national Picasso-Paris and Louvre Abu Dhabi, the exhibition will highlight how Picasso transformed modern art. Notable works include “Woman with a Mandolin” (1911) and “Portrait of a Seated Woman” (1923) from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection.

In addition to these major exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi will host a diverse range of cultural and educational programs, alongside a new immersive experience aimed at fostering curiosity and engagement. The 2025-2026 season promises to be a vibrant celebration of creativity, artistic exploration, and cultural exchange.