SimplyAbuDhabi XXXIII

New additions to the collection In expanding its remarkable collection, Louvre AbuDhabi acquired a rare oil sketch by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669), one of the most celebrated artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Titled Head of a young man, with clasped hands: Study of the figure of Christ , this masterpiece was painted around 1648 and belongs to a series of oil sketches referred to as Rembrandt’s Face of Jesus group. It is the first work by Rembrandt known to have been acquired for a public collection in the Gulf region. It appeared recently in exhibitions at the Musée du Louvre, Paris; Philadelphia Museum of Art; Detroit Institute of Art; and Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam. Making its first appearance at Louvre Abu Dhabi in the exhibition Rembrandt, Vermeer & the Dutch Golden Age: Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection and the Musée du Louvre, Head of a young man joins the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection. The acquisition of this rare masterpiece follows the unveiling of 11 new additions to Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection in October 2018. In keeping with the museum’s mission to highlight cross-cultural connections in a variety of forms, last year’s acquisitions include a range of exquisite objects from around the world and the region, including a monumental Buddhist sculpture from China (11th-12th CE), four tapestries from French royal manufacturers depicting The Hunts of Maximilian, the Duke of Brabant, as well as a rare Ottoman horse armour (15th – 16th CE). His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism –Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi): “Rembrandt is one of the most prominent figures in Western art history and this acquisition yet again highlights the remarkable quality of both Louvre Abu Dhabi’s permanent collection and its exhibitions programme. We look confidently to the future, as we continue to grow our collection and inspire cross-cultural understanding in visitors from all over the world.” Manuel Rabaté, Director, Louvre Abu Dhabi: “Rembrandt was one of art’s greatest storytellers, with an exceptional ability to capture the human soul in his artworks. With this latest acquisition, the first-ever Rembrandt joining a museum collection in the Gulf, our visitors can experience the power of his creations first-hand, initially in our opening exhibition for 2019 and following that in our galleries. It will join the 650 artworks of the museum’s collection from cultures around the world, celebrating the universal creativity of humanity”. A vital part of a cultural community Louvre Abu Dhabi is located within the Saadiyat Cultural District on Saadiyat Island, a destination devoted to culture and the arts. An ambitious and visionary undertaking for the 21st century, the District serves as a hub for global culture, attracting local, regional and international visitors with unique exhibitions, permanent collections, productions and performances. Its ground-breaking buildings form a historical statement of the finest 21st century architecture, including the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. The addition of Louvre Abu Dhabi to the scene complements the achievements of these institutions, all of which collaborate with local and regional arts and cultural institutions to create an experience that simply cannot be missed. The Department of Culture and Tourism– AbuDhabi plays a key role in supporting the District, conserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi and contributing to the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction that enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. As part of its mission to become a vital part of this community, Louvre Abu Dhabi is a place of discovery and learning, open to everyone. An Art Club membership programme offers guests a range of benefits and special opportunities for members and their families to enjoy exclusive enhanced experiences, events and activities, such as first previews of the museum’s special exhibitions. Art Club members can visit and revisit Louvre Abu Dhabi, discovering something new every time. Members and their guests can also enter the Musée du Louvre in Paris, and other partner museums, at no charge. Louvre Abu Dhabi is committed to inspiring the next generation of artists, art lovers, and scholars. The museum welcomes children, families and young audiences, and provides wonderful interactive tools to encourage young people to explore the collections, allowing their creativity and curiosity to flourish. Developing the nation’s youth into highly educated critical thinkers is central to the UAE’s investment in the future. Louvre Abu Dhabi’s approach prompts audiences – including children, teenagers and young adults – to look closely and think deeply about the artworks on display and the wider cultures and ideas they represent. The museum has already had a significant impact on the UAE’s educational landscape, and continues to offer training and opportunities to support an emerging generation of enthusiasts and museum professionals. A dedicated Children’s Museum is a special place for the whole family, where guests aged 13 and younger can enjoy unlimited complimentary entry. The Children’s Museum at Louvre Abu Dhabi is an exploratory space providing the opportunity to engage with artworks from the museum’s collection to young visitors (aged 6-12) and their families. It presents its own special exhibitions, with artworks displayed in specially designed cases at children’s eye level and interactive mediation tools. With a range of immersive and interactive zones, the Children’s Museum offers a programme of hands-on activities and educational workshops. Since Louvre Abu Dhabi was announced, the UAE has witnessed a significant increase in the number of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees available in related subjects, including New York University Abu Dhabi’s art history major, which offers a Museum and Cultural Heritage Studies track; a Master’s degree in History of Art and Museum Studies at Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; and a Master’s in Museum Studies at Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. Louvre AbuDhabi works with these and other programmes to share resources, offer internships and encourage students to enter careers in the cultural and creative industries. Now in its second edition, Emirati students from all fields have participated in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Student Ambassador Programme, which trains and empowers young Emiratis to become skilled ambassadors for the project among their communities. The museum also contributes to the social life of the District and blends seamlessly into its ethos. Architect Jean Nouvel designed a series of exceptional spaces in which visitors can take refreshment, reflect on the artworks they’ve seen, or simply look out over the sea and enjoy a peaceful moment. The Museum Café serves an appealing blend of European and Emirati cuisine, while Aptitude Café – one of the first specialty coffee shops in Abu Dhabi – entices the senses with a selection of the finest ethically sourced coffee beans and mouth-watering pastries. For a truly memorable experience, visitors can relax in the sophisticated Art Bar, a contemporary rooftop space with a peerless view over the sea. See humanity in a new light Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates the universal creativity of mankind and invites audiences to see humanity in a new light. Through its innovative curatorial approach, the museum focuses on building understanding across cultures: through stories of human creativity that transcend civilisations, geographies and times. The museum’s growing collection is unparalleled in the region and spans thousands of years of human history, including prehistoric tools, artefacts, religious texts, iconic paintings and contemporary artworks. The permanent collection is supplemented by rotating loans from 13 French partner institutions, regional and international museums. Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testing ground for new ideas in a globalised world and champions new generations of cultural leaders. Its international exhibitions, programming and Children’s Museum are inclusive platforms that connect communities and offer enjoyment for all. In 2019 —declared the Year of Tolerance in the United Arab Emirates —and for many decades to come, Louvre Abu Dhabi will continue to be a hub for all cultures and a symbol of openness, hope, tolerance and inclusivity in the Arab world.