Louvre Abu Dhabi has unveiled Birth of a Collection, a new publication documenting the development of its collection over the past decade through 240 selected objects and contributions from 42 curators, historians and scholars.
Co-published with art publisher Skira, the book was launched at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair on October 26. It is available in Arabic, English and French.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and president of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “Birth of a Collection reflects the extraordinary evolution of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection that has grown in scale, sophistication and diversity to become one of the most distinguished bodies of art in the world. This ongoing journey speaks to the maturity of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s cultural ecosystem. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi remains guided by the principle of creating a cultural legacy for future generations everywhere.”
Edited by Dr Guilhem André, director of scientific, curatorial and collections management at the museum, the publication explores the collection through four chronological periods: the Ancient World, Medieval World, Early Modern World, and Modern and Contemporary World. It examines how artistic traditions and civilisations have influenced one another across different periods and regions.
Since opening in 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi’s collection has grown from around 600 artworks to more than 6,000. Nearly two-thirds of the objects displayed in its permanent galleries now belong to the museum’s own collection.
The book features works including a bronze Winged dragon from 475–221 BCE, a Sumerian Male praying figure dated 2400–2300 BCE, and Sayed Haider Raza’s Bindu (1986).
Dr Souraya Noujaim, director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “I am delighted to see this landmark book published. It reflects the maturity of the museum and the strength of the scholarship that continues to shape its future.”
The publication follows Birth of a Museum, released in 2013, which documented the formation of the museum’s founding collection and its vision as the first universal museum in the Arab world.
Louvre Abu Dhabi said it has published more than 50 books since opening, with its publishing programme spanning scholarly works, exhibition catalogues, children’s books and experimental formats. Birth of a Collection is available for purchase at the museum’s boutique.
