Louvre Abu Dhabi has revealed the programmes and exhibitions for its 2026–2027 season, which spans a full year and covers thousands of years of human history across continents — from the sensory richness that distinguished the Indian Ocean world and the protection of cultural heritage in times of fragility and risk, to the most prominent forms of contemporary artistic expression from the region, including the Gulf Cooperation Council states and India.
The season brings together archaeological insights, stories of maritime exchange, cultural heritage preservation efforts, and contemporary artistic voices, with the aim of exploring the shared connections across different chapters of human history. Collectively, these exhibitions embody the museum's commitment to highlighting the interconnected stories of humanity and fostering a deeper understanding of universal human values.
The season opens with a new exhibition at the Children's Museum titled "Board Game Adventure", which gives young visitors the opportunity to explore the universal appeal of board games as tools for learning, imagination, and social connection.
It is followed by "Spices and Wonders: Journeys across the Indian Ocean", organised in partnership with the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet, which traces 1,000 years of maritime exchange. The season also includes the "Contemporary Art Now 2026" exhibition, held under the theme "Tributaries", as well as the Richard Mille Art Prize presented within this annual initiative — both reflecting the museum's commitment to supporting and showcasing contemporary artistic voices.
Closing the season, and in celebration of the tenth anniversary of the ALIPH Foundation (International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas), the museum presents "Living Legacy: Saving Heritage, Planting Hope", organised in partnership with ALIPH, which tells the stories of individuals and communities living in some of the world's most complex environments.
Dr. Guilhem Andres, Director of Collections, Curators and Research at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: "As Louvre Abu Dhabi continues its mission of building bridges between cultures, our 2026–2027 season programme takes a deeper look at a vast history of diversity and civilisational exchange. Each exhibition offers a new perspective on the connections and universal languages that shape our contemporary world."
Lamia Al Nuaimi, Director of Development, Marketing and Communication, said: "The upcoming season at Louvre Abu Dhabi invites audiences to transcend the boundaries of cultures, historical trajectories, and ideas, connecting different worlds through art. The museum continues to serve as a cultural platform that promotes dialogue, exchange, and exploration at a global level. Through collaboration with international partners and contemporary artistic voices, this programme embodies Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead through culture, support creativity, inspire future generations, and build a dynamic, interconnected cultural ecosystem at a global scale."