The Louvre Abu Dhabi is opening a new chapter in the UAE’s cultural calendar with Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire. Featuring more than 250 works, this landmark exhibition explores the artistic and intellectual heritage of one of the most powerful dynasties in Islamic history.
Developed in collaboration with the Musée du Louvre in Paris, the showcase invites visitors to discover the Mamluks not only as warriors but also as visionaries who shaped global trade, diplomacy, and craftsmanship.
A dynasty remembered for its artistry
The Mamluk Sultanate ruled for over two and a half centuries across Egypt, Syria, and neighbouring regions. While often remembered for military prowess, their influence went far beyond the battlefield. The dynasty’s reign was marked by an extraordinary flourishing of art, architecture, and scholarship, now regarded as a defining era in the Islamic Golden Age.
This exhibition brings together an unparalleled collection of artefacts—calligraphy, manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, and metalwork—that reflect the refinement of Mamluk artistry and the sophistication of daily life.
Exhibition highlights
One of the centrepieces of the exhibition is the Baptistère de Saint Louis, a basin from Syria or Egypt dated to around 1330. Signed by the renowned artist Muhammad ibn al-Zayn, the copper alloy piece is inlaid with gold, silver, and black paste. Its intricate engravings remain among the most admired examples of Mamluk metalwork, reflecting both technical mastery and artistic detail.
Alongside such monumental works are textiles, manuscripts, and ceramics that reveal the richness of everyday life in the Mamluk era. Silk fragments, children’s clothing, lamps, and vases are presented with the same attention as ceremonial art, painting a complete picture of a society that valued both luxury and functionality.
The exhibition is arranged to tell a story—guiding visitors from the dynasty’s rise to its cultural achievements and lasting global influence. The curatorial approach ensures that each room offers a new perspective, from ornate halls of power to the intimate objects of daily use.
A cultural experience in Abu Dhabi
For visitors, the exhibition offers more than an academic look at history. It is an immersive cultural journey that allows residents and tourists alike to experience the elegance of Mamluk heritage. The showcase also reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing stature as a hub for international art and heritage collaborations, positioning the UAE as a bridge between past civilisations and contemporary audiences.
Dr Souraya Noujaim, Director of the Islamic Arts Department at Musée du Louvre, noted during the preview that the exhibition highlights the Mamluks’ unique role as both warriors and patrons of the arts. This duality makes the dynasty one of the most intriguing in Islamic history.
Plan your visit
- Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
- Dates: Opens 17 September 2025
- Timings: Tuesday to Thursday, 10am–6:30pm; Friday to Sunday, 10am–8:30pm
- Tickets: AED 65
- Contact: (600) 56 55 66
A rare opportunity
Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire offers a chance to engage with an extraordinary collection rarely seen together. Whether drawn to the beauty of Islamic calligraphy, the craftsmanship of metalwork, or the cultural history of one of the Islamic world’s most influential dynasties, the exhibition promises to leave a lasting impression.
For residents of the UAE, it is a reminder of the country’s commitment to preserving and celebrating global heritage while making it accessible to diverse communities.
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