Unlocking the potential of the Louvre Abu Dhabi
reclaiming a culture of tolerance and intellectual rigor that the post-colonial Arab world has lacked.
The choice of architecture reflects this purpose; the 8,000 interlocked arabesque stars of the spectacular dome illustrate a confidence in Islamic design and its heritage. Chapter 5 of the collection traces the cultural significance of the old Silk Road, and the role of 7th- and 8th-century Islamic civilization as an economic and artistic crossroads between Asia, Europe and Africa.
The display of beautiful artifacts from Afghanistan, and stunning pieces of inscribed masonry from Saudi Arabia, provide a platform for hitherto unknown artistic legacy from the Islamic world.
The show-stopping statue of King Ramses II, and Louis David’s magnificent portrait of Napoleon crossing the Alps, hold pride of place in the museum, displaying the necessity of housing memorable pieces to attract visitors, as well as the attention of the international artistic community.
It is imperative that the Louvre Abu Dhabi continues to attract leading exhibitors from around the world, so as to identify itself as the foremost regional platform for celebrated works of art alongside rare artifacts. The museum already has plans to host four temporary exhibitions each year, and they will be a great opportunity to make sure its collection stays relevant and appealing.
The stern look of Van Gogh’s 1889 self-portrait that hangs at eye-level is a reminder to discerning visitors of the need to make sure the museum is able to protect the treasures under its roof. For such a prize to be so accessible to the rough and tumble of passing crowds and inquisitive schoolchildren is of some concern, but will no doubt be remedied with increased footfall.
At a time of great tension in France earlier this year, King Mohammed VI of Morocco opened his private archive of manuscripts for the first time at an exhibition hosted at the L’Institut du Monde Arabe. The exhibit illustrated the tolerance and protection that successive Moroccan sultans accorded different faith groups, and went some way to deliver a message of peace to a Parisian society that had been rocked by terror.
In a similar vein, as a permanent institution the Louvre Abu Dhabi must continue to build on its founding vision to celebrate cross-civilizational understanding through history and art. Given regional circumstances, a cultural project of such a scale will always be politicized, so the Louvre Abu Dhabi must fiercely guard its new mantle as a bastion of peace.
QZaid M. Belbagi is a political commentator, and an adviser to private clients between London and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Twitter: @Moulay_Zaid