Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled an ambitious and diverse lineup for its 2025–2026 exhibition season, featuring three major exhibitions that span centuries, continents, and artistic traditions. From the powerful legacy of the Mamluks to the bold experiments of Picasso and a spotlight on contemporary voices from the GCC and Japan, the new season reinforces the museum’s role as a hub of cultural dialogue and artistic discovery.

The upcoming season offers visitors a journey through time, highlighting connections between civilisations and celebrating artistic innovation across genres and geographies.

Season Highlights: East Meets West, Past Meets Present

The season opens on September 17, 2025, with “The Mamluks: Legacy and Impact,” an exhibition that delves into the grandeur and global influence of the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517). Curated in collaboration with the Louvre Museum and Agence France-Museums, this exhibition brings to life a remarkable Islamic dynasty that ruled parts of Egypt, the Levant, and the Arabian Peninsula. Rare manuscripts, metalworks, ceramics, textiles, and paintings, including the stunning Reception of a Venetian Delegation in Damascus (1500–1540),  highlight the Mamluks’ role in shaping an interconnected world of trade, art, and diplomacy.

“This exhibition offers a rich perspective on a fascinating period that contributed significantly to global cultural exchanges,” said Fakhira Al Kindi, Senior Assistant Curator at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Contemporary Art Takes Centre Stage in ‘Art of Now 2025’

Running from October 8 to December 28, 2025, the fifth edition of Art of Now, in partnership with luxury watchmaker Richard Mille, invites contemporary artists from the GCC, Japan, and the wider MENA region to explore the theme of “Shadows.” This year’s exhibition, curated by Sophie Mayuko Arni, explores how light and shadow shape identity, architecture, and memory through site-specific works that bridge Japanese and Arabian Gulf artistic influences.

One artist will be awarded the Richard Mille Art Prize, continuing the museum’s mission to support emerging talent across the region and beyond.

Picasso Returns to the Spotlight in Early 2026

From January 19 to May 31, 2026, the museum will present “Picasso: The Representation of a Figure”, a major exhibition in collaboration with the Musée National Picasso–Paris. This landmark show traces the Spanish master’s groundbreaking approach to the human form through painting, sculpture, photography, and drawing, with works spanning from the early 20th century to his final years.

Curated by Cecile Debray, President of the Musée National Picasso, Paris, alongside Virginie Perdrisot and Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Aisha Al Ahmadi, the exhibition includes masterpieces from both institutions. Visitors can expect to see iconic works like Woman with a Mandolin (1911) and Portrait of a Seated Woman (Olga) from 1923.

“This exhibition offers rare insight into how Picasso redefined modern art through his evolving vision of the figure,” said Al Ahmadi.

A Space for Cultural Exchange and Global Conversation

Beyond the headline exhibitions, the 2025–2026 season includes immersive experiences, cultural events, and educational programmes designed to engage audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Manuel Rabate, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “This season reflects our commitment to bridging cultures through art. From historical legacies to contemporary voices, we offer visitors a space for connection, reflection, and discovery.”

Dr. Guillaume Andre,  the museum’s Scientific, Curatorial and Collections Management Director, added: “We aim to provide a unique opportunity for audiences to explore how different artistic movements and historical moments speak to each other, and us today.”