Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced its 2026-2027 cultural season, marking a new chapter in its programming. The new programme features a year-long series of exhibitions and events exploring global connections, artistic expression and heritage preservation across centuries and continents.
The season opens with "A Board Game Adventure," a Children’s Museum exhibition running from July 2026 to April 2027. This display presents the history of games such as chess, ludo and mancala through objects from ancient civilizations and international collections. By examining these recreational artifacts, the exhibition illustrates the shared human impulse for play and strategy that transcends geographical boundaries.
A major highlight is "Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean," organized with the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts. Running from October 2026 to February 2027, the exhibition traces more than 1,000 years of maritime trade and cultural exchange linking Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South Asia and Southeast Asia. This collaboration highlights the complex networks of exchange that have shaped the cultures bordering the Indian Ocean.
The museum will also host the sixth edition of Art Here 2026 and the Richard Mille Art Prize under the theme "Confluences." This section features contemporary artists from the GCC and India, exploring the meeting points of different cultural streams. The initiative continues to support the region's growing contemporary art scene by providing a significant platform for creative expression.
Concluding the season is "Living Legacies. Protecting Heritage. Building Hope," developed with the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage (ALIPH). This exhibition spotlights efforts to safeguard cultural heritage in conflict-affected and vulnerable regions. It brings attention to the resilience of cultural identity and the ongoing work required to protect it from destruction.
Alongside the main exhibitions, Louvre Abu Dhabi will offer talks, workshops, performances, film screenings and educational programmes designed to engage diverse audiences. Museum officials noted that the season reflects Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mission to foster cultural dialogue, celebrate creativity and strengthen understanding of humanity’s shared heritage.
Frequently asked questions
What exhibitions are part of the Louvre Abu Dhabi's 2026-2027 cultural season?
The season includes 'A Board Game Adventure', 'Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean', 'Art Here 2026', and 'Living Legacies. Protecting Heritage. Building Hope'.
What is the theme of the sixth edition of Art Here 2026?
The theme is 'Confluences', exploring the meeting points of different cultural streams.
What is the name of the exhibition that highlights efforts to safeguard cultural heritage in conflict-affected regions?
It is called 'Living Legacies. Protecting Heritage. Building Hope', developed with ALIPH.
What is the duration of the exhibition 'A Board Game Adventure'?
It runs from July 2026 to April 2027.
What is the name of the exhibition that explores maritime trade and cultural exchange linking Africa, the Middle East, Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia?
It is called 'Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean', organized with the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts.
What is the name of the prize that will be awarded under the theme 'Confluences'?
The prize is the Richard Mille Art Prize.
