Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire Exhibition Opens in Abu Dhabi

Louvre Abu Dhabi has launched a grand exhibition titled “Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire”, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Mamluk Sultanate. The Mamluks were a powerful dynasty that ruled large regions including important Islamic holy sites for more than 250 years, from 1250 to 1517. This exhibition presents the achievements, art, and society of the Mamluk period in a unique and immersive way.

The exhibition brings together over 270 exceptional pieces of art from 34 museums and cultural institutions in 13 countries. Visitors can see a wide variety of works including glassware, metalwork, ceramics, textiles, coins, manuscripts, and other valuable items. The display offers an opportunity to explore the diversity and creativity of the Mamluk civilization.

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Partnership and Support

This exhibition is organized by Louvre Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Musée du Louvre in Paris and France Muséums, with generous support from LG Electronics Gulf as the sponsor and Abu Dhabi Media Network as the media partner. It is the first exhibition on the Mamluk Sultanate to be showcased in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, making it a landmark cultural event.

The exhibition is open to the public from 17 September 2025 to 25 January 2026, giving residents and visitors ample time to experience the rich legacy of the Mamluks.

Curators and Organizers

The exhibition is curated by Dr. Souraya Noujaim, Director of the Department of Islamic Art at Musée du Louvre, as the General Curator, and Dr. Carine Juvin, Curator for the Medieval Near East Collection at Musée du Louvre, as the Scientific Curator. They are supported by Fakhera Alkindi, Senior Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “We are proud to present Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire, celebrating the cultural and artistic achievements of one of the Islamic world’s most influential dynasties. The exhibition shows how the Mamluks interacted with Asia, Africa, and Europe, reflecting the global connections of their time, much like the cosmopolitan nature of Abu Dhabi today.”

History and Significance

The Mamluk Sultanate was a major power in the Islamic world between the 13th and 16th centuries. The dynasty is well known for its military strength, political influence, and exceptional artistic and architectural achievements. The Mamluks left behind a legacy that still resonates today in Islamic art, architecture, and culture.

The exhibition originally debuted in Paris at Musée du Louvre in spring 2025, marking the first major European display of Mamluk art. Louvre Abu Dhabi’s version has an expanded collection that includes regional artworks, highlighting historical and cultural ties between the Gulf and the Mamluk world.

Laurence des Cars, President-Director of Musée du Louvre in Paris, said: “This exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a remarkable reflection of the partnership between our two institutions. Masterpieces from the Louvre are displayed alongside exceptional loans from around the world, allowing visitors to appreciate the Mamluk Sultanate’s artistic and intellectual richness.”

Themes and Highlights

The exhibition is arranged into seven thematic sections, exploring the structure, influence, and artistic achievements of the Mamluk dynasty. Some of the most notable works on display include:

• Key to the Kaaba bearing the name of Sultan Faraj (1399–1412).

• Helmet of Sultan Barsbay (1422–1438).

• Venetian Diplomatic Mission Received by the Governor of Damascus (1511), a painting from the Venetian School.

• Basin known as the Baptistery of Saint Louis (c. 1330–1340), a famous piece of engraved and inlaid metalwork, historically associated with French royalty and displayed in the region for the first time.

From Louvre Abu Dhabi’s own collection, six items are showcased, including:

• Juz’ Amma, the thirtieth section of the Holy Quran (13th century).

• A rare carpet with three medallions made in Egypt (15th century).

• A pharmaceutical or perfumes Albarello decorated with coats of arms (15th century).

Other remarkable loans include:

• Certificate of pilgrimage (Hajj) for Maymuna, daughter of Muhammad al-Zardili (1433) from the British Library.

• Incense burner of Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun (c. 1330–1341) from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha.

• Mosque Lamp of Emir Qawsun (c. 1330–1335) from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Digital Storytelling and Interactive Features

With support from LG Electronics Gulf, the exhibition uses modern technology to enhance the visitor experience. Five interactive screens are placed throughout the galleries, allowing guests to explore the stories behind each artwork with immersive visuals and sound. This makes learning about Mamluk history both engaging and informative.

Educational and Cultural Programs

Louvre Abu Dhabi has designed a rich educational program to accompany the exhibition. Between September and November, visitors can attend talks and lectures on Mamluk history, including:

• A public conversation with the exhibition curators on September 16.

• A lecture on Mamluk architecture on November 19.

• A discussion focusing on a prominent historical figure of the Mamluk period.

The museum is also offering family-friendly programs, such as a children’s path with fun facts and questions to explore the exhibition in an interactive way. Activities like Drawing at the Museum and Book an Easel will also focus on Mamluk art.

Additionally, a podcast on the exhibition is available on Louvre Abu Dhabi’s website and mobile app, enabling audiences to learn about the Mamluks from anywhere.

Exhibition Catalogue

A catalogue for Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire is available in Arabic, English, and French at the museum’s boutique. Edited by Dr. Carine Juvin, it contains contributions from international experts and serves as a reference guide to the art and culture of the Mamluk Sultanate.

The Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a rare opportunity to explore the history, art, and culture of one of the Islamic world’s most influential dynasties. With over 270 masterpieces from across the globe, interactive displays, and educational programs, the exhibition provides a fascinating insight into the world of the Mamluks and their lasting influence on the region. Visitors of all ages can enjoy and learn from this unique cultural experience, which connects the past to the present in a meaningful and engaging way.

This exhibition not only celebrates Mamluk art and culture but also strengthens cultural ties between the UAE, France, and the wider world, offering an inspiring experience for families, students, and art lovers alike.

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