Latest displays span ancient Cyprus, 19th-century Europe and contemporary Mali
Berthe Morisot and her daughter, Julie Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1894, Abu Dhabi Masterpieces Collection.
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 26 August 2026 – Louvre Abu Dhabi invites visitors to discover four remarkable collection highlights on display across its galleries, bringing together works that span more than two millennia of human creativity. Led by a rare portrait by Pierre-Auguste Renoir, the highlights include works from ancient Cyprus, 19th-century Europe and contemporary Mali, offering visitors the opportunity to encounter a diverse range of artistic traditions and stories from the museum’s collection. From Renoir’s intimate portrait of Berthe Morisot and her daughter, Julie Manet, to a dreamlike Sleeping Beauty scene, a vibrant contemporary textile work and a sculpture from ancient Cyprus, each artwork offers a distinct perspective on the range and diversity of the collection.
A Rare Family Portrait of Impressionism
Berthe Morisot and her daughter, Julie Manet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir
One of the display’s standout works, Renoir’s rare double portrait was presented by Renoir to Morisot and later inherited by her daughter Julie Manet, it remained in the family collection throughout the twentieth century. The painting captures the close bond between mother and daughter while reflecting Renoir’s enduring friendship with Morisot, one of the founding figures of Impressionism. Renoir later described this bond as “one of the most solid of my life.” As such, this portrait is not only a remarkable artistic achievement but also a moving testament to the personal relationships that helped shape the impressionist movement.
ABOUT LOUVRE ABU DHABI
Created by an exceptional agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France, Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed by Jean Nouvel and opened on Saadiyat Island in November 2017. The museum is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture and its monumental dome creates a rain of light effect and a unique social space that brings people together.
Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates the universal creativity of mankind and invites audiences to see humanity in a new light. Through its innovative curatorial approach, the museum focuses on building understanding across cultures: through stories of human creativity that transcend civilisations, geographies, and times.
The museum’s growing collection is unparalleled in the region and spans thousands of years of human history, including prehistoric tools, artefacts, religious texts, iconic paintings, and contemporary artworks. The permanent collection is supplemented by rotating loans from 19 French partner institutions, regional and international museums.
Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testing ground for new ideas in a globalised world and champions new generations of cultural leaders. Its international exhibitions, programming and Children’s Museum are inclusive platforms that connect communities and offer enjoyment for all.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM – ABU DHABI
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.
By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.
For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, please visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae/