Louvre Abu Dhabi curates next generation
Training the next generation of Emirati museum workers has been Louvre Abu Dhabi’s most important achievement, says the chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism.
Speaking ahead of the museum’s first birthday today, Mohamed Al Mubarak said the landmark building had become a favoured destination among residents and visitors to Abu Dhabi.
“Yet our greatest success, 10 years in the making, is the next generation of Emirati museum professionals who are trained to the highest standard in the cultural sector and are leaders in their field,” he said.
About half of the museum’s staff, or 47 per cent, are Emirati and some are curators working on the collection, permanent galleries, and in the education and mediation teams.
Emiratis and Indians are the top two nationalities to visit the museum, and UAE citizens make the most repeat visits to Louvre Abu Dhabi.
UAE residents make up a significant portion of the museum’s visitors, at 40 per cent, while the top visitors from abroad come from the Middle
East, Europe and Asia. France, Germany, China, UK, the US, India and the GCC top that list.
Indian nationals are the top visitors to the museum overall, including tourists and residents.
“Louvre Abu Dhabi’s vision is to celebrate cross-cultural connections that transcend geographies and civilisations, to see humanity in a new light,” Mr Al Mubarak said.
“The diversity of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s audiences not only reflects Abu Dhabi’s multicultural society but also illustrates how its ambition and universal narrative – which aim to create bridges between cultures and nurture dialogue between communities – appeal to many, from seasoned art enthusiasts to younger audiences and families.”
The museum has hosted more than 1,000 school trips and 5,000 guided tours, workshops and masterclasses. It has also hosted more than 115 special events including talks, film screenings and concerts.
“On one hand, we have access to some of the most incredible collections and benefit from collaborating with some of the world’s most qualified museum experts,” said Manuel Rabate, the director of Louvre Abu Dhabi.
“On the other, being a young museum in this region empowers us to be experimental and encourages us to be agile to appeal to our incredibly diverse audiences.
“Before the opening, we were often asked if there was an appetite for museums in Abu Dhabi and the amazing response we’ve had in our first year is proving that there is.”