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MUSEUM GALLERIES

The galleries at Louvre Abu Dhabi tell an enticing story of humanity and its progression.

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Spread across twelve awe-inspiring galleries, each exhibition room has a focus on the shared themes and ideas of the majestic art pieces displayed that reveal common connections throughout mankind.

THE FIRST VILLAGES

This is the first major gallery that provides evidence of the early human civilizations.


The two-headed statue, which is the first thing you see when you enter the room, is known to be nearly 8,000 years old; dating back to about 6500 BC. It is known to be one of the oldest statue of the human figure. It was made by inhabitants of modern-day Japan and indicates the start of settled human civilizations in regions such as China and Mesopotamia.

THE FIRST GREAT POWERS

‘The First Great Powers’ walks us through the development of human civilizations, the first kingdoms, and the tributary statues. It depicts human interpretation and focuses on Ancient Egypt’s enthrallment with the afterlife and the prehistoric mummification process.


The sarcophagus of Heuttawy, along with mummy’s wrappings, lay with funerary servants. It dates back to 950-900 BCE.

UNIVERSAL RELIGIONS

The artifacts on display date back to the 15th century.  In addition, religious texts are also on show.


A major attraction in the gallery is the last chapter of the Quran produced in the late 13th century. Next to it is a French sculpture of Virgin and Child.


A dome shaped relic holder from an ancient Buddhist shrine, thought to be located in modern-day Pakistan, and the copy of the Torah’s first part, from Yemen, are also on exhibit.

ASIAN TRADE ROUTES

This gallery traces the developments of trade between Asia, the Islamic world and Europe.


Pair of ewers are decorated with the heads of birds. One of the ewers was sourced from China between 600 and 900 AD and the other was crafted in Iran between 1100 and 1300AD.

FROM THE MEDITTERANEAN TO THE ATLANTIC

The splendor of the artifacts and their religious dimensions is evident.

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From the Islamic region of the Mediterranean, a 12th century bronze lion is on display, which according the museum guides, was once mechanized to produce a roaring sound.

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A glorious reliquary casket from 13th century France, decorated with Fatimid rock crystal plaques from Egypt is also on exhibit. It illustrates trade and cultural links between Islamic and Christian lands.

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There are also artifacts in this gallery for Arab crafts enthusiasts. Created for the last emir of the Kingdom of Granada in the 15th 16th centuries, Boabdil, the carvings on his steel-silver-enamel sword is a favourite.


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COSMOGRAPHY

This section of the museum is a walk down memory lane showcasing the discovery of the worlds.


An 11th century celestial globe from Morocco, a 1521 map of the world produced in Italy, a series of astrolabes, and a pair of 1625 folding screens from Japan are just some of the prehistoric pieces in the gallery.

THE WORLD IN PERSPECTIVE

The gallery features some of the world’s most highly valued artworks.


A 16th century classical marble statue depicting the Greek deity Apollo as an archer is the centre of attention. Leonardo Da Vinci’s portrait of a lady, the La Belle Ferronniere, attracts praise and admiration from visitors.

THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE COURT

This section of the museum is transformed to create a ‘royal’ atmosphere.


Most of the art pieces are from the 18th century which focuses on rulers and their power and dominance.


The French Sun King, Louis XIV, intrigued the visitors the most. A sculpture of Prince Philip V of Spain, dating back to around 1702-1705 was also exhibited which is said to have also been installed at the centre of a royal palace.

A NEW ART OF LIVING

Napoleon Bonaparte, the French statesman and military leader, displayed with magnificence in the gallery, illustrates valor.


A red-lacquered commode imported to France from China shows the inceeasing focus on the beauty and comfort of private residences. The background contains a velvet cushion cover produced in the Ottoman Empire.

A MODERN WORLD

The most notable works in this gallery are:


‘Self-Portrait’ by Vincent Van Gogh, ‘Whistler’s Mother’ by James McNeill, and ‘The Bohemian’ by Edouard Manet.

CHALLENGING MODERNITY

Among various art pieces, ‘The Submissive Reader’ by Rene Magritte offer a glimpse of Surrealism.

A GLOBAL STAGE

The last gallery has a majestic towering sculpture of light made out of 10 chandeliers by Ai Weiwei, a Chinese artist.


Some of the many magnificent creations displayed in the gallery were:


Family Tree, a Chinese artist’s creation, presented in a series of images of its creator Zhang Huan.


Multiple Realities, a display of colours and urban scenes in London-based Zimbabwean artist Duncan Wylie’s painting.

Museum Galleries: Exhibitions
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