"Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire at Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first exhibition in the Gulf devoted to the Mamluk Sultanate (1250-1517). Spanning over two and a half centuries of history, the show, on view until January 25th, 2026, traces how a dynasty of former slave soldiers came to rule vast territories, leaving behind a cultural and artistic legacy of extraordinary reach."
"Gathering over 270 works from 34 institutions worldwide, from metalwork and manuscripts to carpets, glass, and ceramics, the show reframes the dynasty as cultural innovators whose visual language resonates with contemporary design. During the preview of Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire at Louvre Abu Dhabi, designboom discusses the contemporary relevance of Mamluk art with Scientific Curator Dr. Carine Juvin. The curator describes the Mamluks as 'great designers, great graphic designers. Their art is made of rich color, geometry, and complex motifs, which are still very appealing to the modern eye.'"
An exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi presents the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517) with over 270 works from 34 institutions worldwide, including metalwork, manuscripts, carpets, glass, and ceramics. The show spans more than two and a half centuries and traces the rise of former slave soldiers who became rulers across Cairo and Damascus. Curated by Dr. Souraya Noujaim and Dr. Carine Juvin, the presentation builds on a Paris display while adding regional works exclusive to Abu Dhabi. The exhibition reframes the Mamluks as cultural innovators whose rich color, geometry, and complex motifs continue to influence contemporary design, opening with a shadow play theatre and biographical portraits of key rulers.
Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine
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