ABU DHABI: Louvre Abu Dhabi has expanded its global cultural reach by introducing, for the first time, a collection of ancient Mayan artefacts on 20th September.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, spoke in-depth about the significance of this collaboration between Mexico and the UAE, describing it as ‘a fantastic collaboration between two countries and between two museum systems’, connecting civilisations from across the world.
The exhibition features prominent artefacts from Mexico in collaboration with the Mexican National Institute of Anthropology and History, including the striking Olmec head, which now stands prominently at the museum’s entrance. The collection also includes pieces from the Mayan and Teotihuacan cultures, offering visitors a rare glimpse into Mexico’s ancient heritage.
The process of bringing these artefacts to Abu Dhabi took three years of planning, according to Rabaté. ‘In the museum world, it’s about trust and working toge
ther,’ he said. The selection of the pieces and the logistics of transporting them to Abu Dhabi were meticulously coordinated to meet the highest international standards. ‘This is just the first step,’ Rabaté noted, hinting at further cultural exchanges between the two nations in the future.
Rabaté also highlighted that Louvre Abu Dhabi, as the first universal museum in the Arab world, plays a vital role in providing the region’s residents and visitors with access to global cultures. Educational programmes have been designed to engage visitors of all ages. ‘From children to adults, everyone will have the opportunity to explore these artefacts through talks, guided tours, and both digital and human interactions,’ Rabaté explained. The museum will offer multilingual resources in Arabic, English, French, and more, ensuring that the Mexican collection resonates with a diverse audience.
In line with the museum’s philosophy of connecting civilisations, Rabaté explained how the inclusion of these Mayan artefacts f
its into Louvre Abu Dhabi’s broader mission. ‘As a universal museum, we aim to tell the story of all civilisations and all eras,’ he said.
Looking ahead, as Louvre Abu Dhabi approaches its seventh anniversary in November, Rabaté reflected on its growth and the future. “Seven years is a moment of maturity,” he expressed. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the museum has welcomed more than 5.5 million visitors since its opening, with 1.2 million visiting last year alone.
The Director also shared details of upcoming exhibitions, including a Post-Impressionist showcase in October featuring masterpieces that followed the Impressionist movement, an Islamic art exhibition in November with exquisite pieces from the Louvre Paris, and in January, an exhibition dedicated to African art titled “Kings and Queens of Africa.” This season, visitors will experience the creativity of various regions, from Islamic art to African and Latin American cultures.
As Rabaté concluded, ‘We will continue to offer access to
the world,” highlighting Louvre Abu Dhabi’s commitment to being a crossroads for cultural exchange and providing a space where art from every corner of the globe can inspire and connect people.
Source: Emirates News Agency
