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Discover Art in Abu Dhabi: World Art Day Celebrations

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 15 April 2026: In celebration of World Art Day tomorrow, Abu Dhabi stands as a destination for art lovers and cultural explorers alike. From the world-class museums at Saadiyat Cultural District to city galleries, the capital offers a unique and memorable experience that captures creativity in every form. 

At the heart of this is the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Picasso, the Figure, exhibition, open until 31 May 2026. This is one of the most significant exhibitions to open in the region this year and is a thematic exploration of Pablo Picasso fascination with the human form. The exhibition features pieces from the Musée National Picasso-Paris, loans from the Musée du Louvre, regional collections, and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. It’s not just an exhibition but an opportunity to immerse in iconic works that define modern art

For those looking to delve deeper into Picasso’s world, Young Picasso, a documentary screening will be held at Louvre Abu Dhabi auditorium on 25 April. The film chronicles the early life and development of Picasso’s style, providing visitors with richer context about the man behind the masterpieces. 

Complementing the exhibition and documentary are weekly Picasso-inspired workshops for school students every Thursday, combining gallery exploration with hands-on creative sessions right inside the museum.

Louvre Abu Dhabi offers Art in Scents, an immersive experience running every Thursday and Saturday. The programme invites visitors to explore art through fragrance with a specially designed scent book. 

Located in Saadiyat Cultural District, Manarat Al Saadiyat’s Art Studio, offers  a programme of hands-on workshops throughout April and May. Textile art masterclasses and mixed media sessions for children are all on the calendar. The drop-in studio covering ceramics, painting and printmaking is open daily for adults and teens, and juniors.

In the city, Cultural Foundation is offering a broad spectrum of accessible creative experiences. A mid-career retrospective of British artist Shezad Dawood anchors a programme that includes architectural prototyping workshops, textile layering and collage sessions. Its ongoing workshop calendar also includes Arabic calligraphy, Islamic geometric patterns, oil and acrylic painting, mosaic and ceramics, with sessions running through April and beyond. 

The new Saadiyat Cultural District Museum Pass provides access to the three museums – Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi – with one convenient pass. Prices start at AED 120 for a two-museum pass, with a three-museum pass option available for AED 170, both valid for 30 days from first use. Kids under 18 visit free with every pass, available to buy online and at kiosks within the museums.

To plan your visit to a museum or gallery, please visit: https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/things-to-do/culture/landmarks-and-architecture/saadiyat-cultural-district for more information.

World Art Day is observed annually on 15 April, the birthday of Leonardo da Vinci, and is recognised by UNESCO as a celebration of the role of art in human life.

At a glance

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Manarat Al Saadiyat — Art Studio

Cultural Foundation

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