Louvre Abu Dhabi has announced the opening of A Board Game Adventure, a new Children’s Museum exhibition that explores the history and cultural significance of board games through interactive experiences for children and families.
Opening on July 18 and running until April 2027, the exhibition is supported by Mubadala Foundation and is designed for children aged 4 to 12. It features 24 artworks and artefacts from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection, alongside loans from institutions including the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the Guimet – National Museum of Asian Arts, the Musée du quai Branly–Jacques Chirac, and the Al-Sabah Collection in Kuwait.
The exhibition traces the evolution of board games across civilisations, from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to Edo-period Japan, highlighting how games have served as tools for learning, imagination and social connection across generations.
Ugo Bertoni, Director of External Affairs, Outreach and Cultural Engagement at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “The Children’s Museum plays a crucial role in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s public engagement programmes. Our new exhibition, A Board Game Adventure, offers a renewed way for children and families to discover ancient objects and artworks related to board games, through observation, exploration, and play. By encouraging curiosity and active participation, the exhibition transforms the museum visit into an engaging learning experience. These games have travelled through times and geographies, carrying ideas, techniques and traditions.”
He adds, “In the spirit of the UAE’s Year of Family, the exhibition encourages children and families to learn, explore and spend meaningful time together, creating opportunities for shared discovery across generations. This exhibition echoes the universal ideas that are central to Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mission, fostering cultural connections and shared human experiences across time and civilisations.”
Visitors create a personal player profile on arrival and use a connected wristband to take part in physical and digital challenges throughout the exhibition. The experience extends into the museum’s courtyard with large-scale games, workshops and interactive activities.
Among the highlights are Francis Cotes’ Portrait of William and Penelope Welby Playing Chess (1769), the ancient Egyptian Mehen (Snake Game), and examples of mancala, one of the world’s oldest board games. The exhibition also explores the journeys of games such as chess, carrom and ludo across different cultures.
A summer camp inspired by the exhibition will run from August 11 to 21 for children aged 5 to 14, offering hands-on activities, traditional Emirati games and workshops where participants design their own board games. Additional family programmes will be announced during the exhibition’s run.
