Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors between the months of June and August 2023, reporting a record peak in summer visitation since the museum’s opening in 2017, reaffirming its position as an internationally renowned cultural institution.
Abu Dhabi welcomed 2.4 million hotel guests in the first half of 2023, a 34 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to figures shared by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.
As one of the UAE’s main cultural attractions, the visitor and community experience has remained a key priority for Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum saw a surge in attendance numbers compared to previous summers, as individuals and families alike engaged with artworks, explored immersive exhibitions, and sought inspiration from the museum’s architecture.
To engage the community over the summer period, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its latest Children’s Museum exhibition Picturing the Cosmos to the public on 20 July, inspired by the human fascination with the cosmos. As part of the exhibition’s programming, the museum also hosted an interactive live call from space with Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, in partnership with Mohamed Bin Rashid Space Centre, on 3 August. In just two months, the exhibition welcomed over 30,000 visitors.
The museum’s summer offerings also focused on participatory learning and engagement, as young adults took part in the Art Lab, where they collaborated with UAE-based artists in engaging workshops. Using the theme of In with the OId and Out with the New, participants explored sustainability through the lens of the museum. In anticipation of the new school year, Louvre Abu Dhabi also welcomed teachers and children for a free exploratory visit of the museum. Visitors were also able to enjoy a wealth of community activities such as free yoga on International Day of Yoga, which saw yoga enthusiasts gather under the iconic museum’s dome.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “We are thrilled to see the surge in visitation figures this summer on the back of Abu Dhabi’s strong tourism numbers. Our exceptional collection, thought-provoking exhibitions and immersive cultural and educational programming have captivated the hearts and minds of visitors from around the world. Louvre Abu Dhabi stands as a beacon of cultural diversity and artistic expression, and we take immense pride in our role as a global platform for cross-cultural dialogue. As we continue to strive for excellence, we remain dedicated to enhancing the visitor experience, fostering a deeper connection between our guests and the rich tapestry of human creativity. This summer's resounding success only fuels our commitment to presenting the world's artistic heritage in ways that inspire, educate, and resonate with all who walk through our doors.”
This summer, the museum unveiled its collection of new loans and acquisitions that are on display in the permanent galleries. These included new acquisitions such as Les Marionnettes by Jean-Honoré Fragonard (France, 1775 – 1778), Femme à la mandoline (Mademoiselle Léonie assise) (France, 1911) by Pablo Picasso, and more. Visitors also saw exceptional loans from Musée du Louvre, Musée national des Châteaux de Versailles et de Trianon, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou – Musée national d'art moderne, Musée d'Archéologie Nationale – Saint Germain en Laye, Musée des Arts décoratifs, and the National Museum of Archaeology in Valleta, Malta.
As the first universal museum in the Arab world, Louvre Abu Dhabi has bolstered its position as a destination that visitors can look forward to seeing by organising a diversity of events and exhibitions that target different interests and age groups.
In the coming months, Louvre Abu Dhabi will host two new exhibitions as part of its ongoing 2023-2024 cultural season, including Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design, and Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here. The museum has also recently opened Letters of Light to the public, which will run until January 2024. These exhibitions will be complemented by programming and activities.