Guggenheim Abu Dhabi To Open December 11 After Two Decades Of Delays

(MENAFN- USA Art News) The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to open on December 11, following a two-decade delay, with project costs approaching $1 billion. The institution recently appointed Valerie Hillings as its inaugural director, tasking her with overseeing the largest branch in the Guggenheim's international network, which spans four countries.

Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, expressed pride that artists from the region and the Emirates are not simply“merely featured as supporting actors, but are at the heart of the exhibition,” she told the German culture magazine Monopol.

Located on Saadiyat Island, an hour's drive from Dubai, the museum joins other cultural institutions such as the Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Frieze Abu Dhabi. Al Kaabi emphasized that while attracting tourism is important for the economy, it is not the primary goal for the cultural institutions.“The primary goal is an audience that wants to return. How can we create an intensity that engages people?” she asked.

Despite the broader regional impact of the Iran war, which affected several countries including the UAE, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's opening remains confirmed. Al Kaabi noted the challenges, stating,“The shock of the Iran war certainly wasn't easy. There were support programs for tourists who couldn't continue their travels, but also for the tourism industry, a model we already know from the pandemic.” She added that museums maintain a different priority, and“we continue to build these institutions. The community pulled together, which was very inspiring.” Al Kaabi concluded that the new museum aims to“further stimulate the debate and continue the conversation with our partners. We're telling a new story.”

We previously reported:

Julien's Auctions will hold its first Abu Dhabi sale, featuring Michael Jackson and Princess Diana artifacts, from December 5–10 at Rosewood Abu Dhabi.

Source: ARTnews

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