#ZayedNationalMuseum

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Art enthusiasts and history buffs, rejoice! The Saadiyat Cultural District in Abu Dhabi is on track for completion in 2025, promising a vibrant hub dedicated to global cultural exploration. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is more than just a collection of museums; it's a platform celebrating diverse traditions, fostering understanding, and shaping a future rich in cultural exchange. Saadiyat Cultural District A Celebration of Heritage and Innovation Saadiyat Cultural District's vision is bold and multifaceted. It aims to: Emanate from a rich cultural heritage: The district honors the region's unique history and traditions, ensuring they are preserved and shared with future generations. Celebrate traditions: Saadiyat Cultural District provides a platform for celebrating diverse cultural expressions, fostering appreciation and understanding between communities. Advance equitable culture: The district promotes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to engage with the arts and culture. Showcase museums, collections, and narratives: The district houses a collection of world-class museums and institutions, each offering unique perspectives and narratives that enrich the cultural landscape. A Unique Constellation of Cultural Institutions Saadiyat Cultural District's strength lies in the diversity of its offerings. Here's a glimpse into some of the institutions that will make this district a cultural powerhouse: Louvre Abu Dhabi: This iconic museum, already open to the public, is the first universal museum in the Arab world. It showcases art from various cultures and periods, encouraging dialogue and connection across civilizations. Berklee Abu Dhabi: This prestigious institution fosters creativity by offering music, performing arts education, and year-round programs that nurture local talent and contribute to the vibrant cultural scene. Manarat Al Saadiyat: This center serves as a hub for artistic expression, hosting renowned events like the Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. It's a dynamic space for artists, thought leaders and the public to come together and engage with contemporary art. Unveiling New Wonders: Upcoming Institutions Saadiyat Cultural District's story is far from complete. Several exciting institutions are slated to open in 2025, further enriching the cultural tapestry: Zayed National Museum: This national museum will celebrate the rich history and culture of the United Arab Emirates, honoring the legacy of the nation's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi: Prepare for an immersive and ever-changing exploration that transcends the boundaries of imagination. teamLab Phenomena promises a unique and captivating experience. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi: This institution will unveil the wonders of our universe and planet, featuring a research and teaching space that takes visitors on a fascinating journey through time. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi: This museum will focus on art from the 1960s to the present day, showcasing groundbreaking works from some of the most important artistic voices of our time. A Legacy of Cultural Vision The development of Saadiyat Cultural District pays homage to the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, the founding father of the UAE. His commitment to uncovering and celebrating the nation's history through archaeological initiatives paved the way for cultural institutions like the Al Ain Museum, the first museum in the UAE. This cultural legacy continues to flourish under the leadership of HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and HH Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed. A Beacon for Global Connection HE Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, beautifully articulates the district's mission: "Saadiyat Cultural District embodies 'cultural hope'. The District will convey a message of cultural diversity that will become more powerful over time, creating global connections, inspiring cultural exchange, and fostering new ways of thinking." The "Be Moved in a Thousand Ways" campaign, featuring prominent figures like Oprah Winfrey, further emphasizes the transformative power of culture to unite, inspire, and broaden perspectives. Saadiyat Cultural District promises to be a global destination for anyone seeking to learn from the past, understand the present, and envision a future enriched by cultural exchange.

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Art News | British Museum criticised for loaning artefacts

The British Museum has come under fire over plans to lend hundreds of significant artefacts from its permanent collection to an organisation in Abu Dhabi which has been accused of abusing the rights of workers.

It has been claimed that many of the migrant workers who have been recruited to help with the giant construction project for the Zayed National Museum have been housed in slums or deported for complaining about low wages. “The museums and other developments on Saadiyat Island are all being built on the back of a system of modern slavery,” said Sharan Burrow, general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation.

The list of treasures shortlisted for loan by the British Museum includes valuable Assyrian reliefs, Sasanian gold belt fittings, Greek and Roman jewels and Ming dynasty porcelain.

via The Independent

Art Exhibition | Two Roaming Beds

As Carsten Höller’s new exhibition prepares to open at the Hayward Gallery, Michael Glover questions whether a museum can really come alive at night in today’s The Independent.

Glover suggests that sleep and art have become ‘cosy bedfellows’, highlighting the fact that Grayson Perry’s new A House For Essex is available to rent for the weekend and that adult sleepovers can be booked at the British Museum.

Now visitors to the Hayward Gallery can book to stay the night in one of Holler’s roving beds as part of a new immersive installation, which could perhaps offer a night consisting of a “fruitful context for terror, mystery and all kinds of varieties of imaginative roaming.”

Two Roaming Beds is at the Hayward Gallery, Southbank Centre from the 10-20 June.

via The Independent

Art News | Iran’s biggest art auction achieves a record high

Following news of a planned accord between Iran and the major world powers, the Iranian contemporary art market has shown signs of major improvement after a record auction.

Tehran Auction, the country’s biggest art auction, achieved a record high of IR210.4bn (€7.26m) this year, a 56% increase on last year’s sales. “This shows how much better people feel about the country’s developments and how their hopes have increased,” said Lili Golestan, director of the Golestan Gallery in Tehran.

A total of 126 pieces punched through the presale estimates of $3.8m-$5.2m, reflecting a growing optimism in the country. Golestan complained, however, that Iran’s art was still undervalued and largely unknown in the western world. “This auction in terms of quality is not lower than an exhibition like FIAC in Paris. But Iran’s art needs better marketing in the world so that prices can further go up.”

via Financial Times