UAE Minister Says Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Will Tell a New Story About the Middle East, Despite the Ongoing War
UAE minister of state Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi said the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will present a “new story” about the Middle East as it prepares to open on Saadiyat Island on December 11 after roughly two decades of delays. ARTnews reports the project’s cost has neared $1 billion, and the museum recently appointed Valerie Hillings as its inaugural director, who will lead what is expected to be the largest branch in the Guggenheim network. In an interview with Monopol, Al Kaabi said artists from the region and the Emirates will be central to exhibitions rather than “supporting actors,” and emphasized building a returning audience beyond tourism. She also said that despite the regional impact of the Iran war, the opening is confirmed without further delay and the UAE will continue building cultural institutions.
From This Briefing
This story was covered in Monuments at Risk, Museums Under Fire