Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar just got a major upgrade. Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled its 2026–2027 programme, blending history, art, and global storytelling through four exhibitions running from July 2026 to April 2027. Whether you’re a history buff, a game enthusiast, or curious about trade routes that shaped civilizations, there’s something to spark your curiosity.
A Board Game Adventure: Play Across Centuries
Kicking off on July 18, 2026, the A Board Game Adventure exhibition at the Children’s Museum will take visitors on a journey through the evolution of board games. Chess, carrom, ludo, and mancala—these games aren’t just for fun; they’re windows into how cultures connected across millennia. The display will feature 30 objects from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection, plus international loans including ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian artifacts.
Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean
From October 14, 2026, to February 14, 2027, Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean will chart the bustling trade routes that linked Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. This exhibition, a collaboration with France’s Guimet Museum, will showcase spices, textiles, and ceramics that traveled these waters, revealing how goods and ideas flowed for centuries.
Preserving Heritage in Fragile Times
The programme also turns its lens to modern challenges. One exhibition will spotlight efforts to protect cultural heritage in regions affected by conflict or environmental risks. Through contemporary art and immersive installations, visitors will see how creativity and resilience shape cultural preservation today.
"Our 2026–2027 programme delves deep into expansive histories of diversity and exchange," said Guilhem Andre, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s scientific and curatorial director. "Each exhibition offers a fresh angle on the connections that define our world."
Lamya Al Nuaimi, the museum’s director of development and communications, added: "We invite audiences to move across cultures, histories, and ideas—sparking global dialogue through art."
Frequently asked questions
What are the new exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi 2026?
Louvre Abu Dhabi's 2026-2027 programme features four exhibitions, including 'A Board Game Adventure', 'Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean', and two others focused on cultural preservation and global connections.
When does the Louvre Abu Dhabi's A Board Game Adventure start?
The 'A Board Game Adventure' exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi's Children's Museum starts on July 18, 2026.
What is Spices and Wonders exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi about?
The 'Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean' exhibition showcases trade routes that linked Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, featuring spices, textiles, and ceramics.
How can I explore cultural preservation at Louvre Abu Dhabi?
One exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi focuses on efforts to protect cultural heritage in regions affected by conflict or environmental risks through contemporary art and immersive installations.
