Zawya: Abu Dhabi, UAE: Louvre Abu Dhabi, the first universal museum in the Arab world, and France Muséums have partnered to organise the ‘Sustainability in Museums’  event on 7 December at the museum auditorium. The sustainability event invites the public to participate in a series of enriching cultural programmes, including specially curated tours and insightful talks, among others.

‘Sustainability in Museums’ will feature global and local experts who will delve into the pivotal roles museums, professionals, and artists play in confronting environmental challenges and advancing toward a more sustainable future.  

The talk titled ‘How to rewire the arts and culture fields to address climate change: three voluntary case studies with positive impacts’ will see speakers present compelling case studies and share best practices on how museums can balance environmental responsibility with public engagement, support socially conscious artists without limiting their creative scope, and explore the impact of environmental exhibitions within cultural practices and capacity building.

The second session, ‘The sustainable journey of cultural institutions: landscape, population and city transformation’, will highlight the crucial role of cultural spaces as environment cultivators, focusing on museums’ interactions with their ecosystem and their surrounding city.

As part of the event, museumgoers can also take part in guided tours that explore sustainability through the architectural build and design of the museum. The tour will examine the building’s unique environmental micro-climate, the environmental standards observed and how it interweaves the UAE’s cultural heritage. Furthermore, specific artworks will be highlighted to discuss materiality and heritage sustainability.

‘Sustainability in Museums’ will provide a key platform for sustainability professionals, students, and cultural enthusiasts to network, exchange knowledge and ideas, and engage in lively debates aimed at inspiring concrete actions.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “At its core, the museum serves as an epicentre for dialogue, education, and societal transformation, values reflected until this day. Situated in the heart of Abu Dhabi and opening into the sea, Louvre Abu Dhabi's easy accessibility and connectivity function as catalysts for social inclusivity, allowing for a diverse range of voices and experiences to contribute and participate. The museum is uniquely positioned to serve as a platform that facilitates meaningful conversations, fosters transformative experiences, and embraces education that surpasses conventional learning. In collaborating with France Museums to organise ‘Sustainability in Museums’, we offer our community members the opportunity to return home fully inspired and to become active participants towards building a more sustainable and conscientious global future.”

Hervé Barbaret, CEO of France Muséums, said, "At France Muséums, we are at the forefront of cultural transformation, guiding museums and heritage sites around the world. We believe in the power of museums to transcend their traditional roles, championing social and environmental change, while maintaining a constant pursuit of cultural and scientific excellence. Our journey began with the birth of Louvre Abu Dhabi, an extraordinary collective venture. Today, we join forces with our global partner to address climate-related challenges.”

‘Sustainability in Museums’ comes as part of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s and France Museum’s wider commitment to fostering lifelong learning and curiosity by building awareness, encouraging knowledge-sharing, and promoting cultural preservation and openness through meaningful dialogue.

Prior reservations and bookings for all activities are required for entry. For those wishing to tune in remotely, the second talk (The sustainable journey of cultural institutions: landscape, population and city transformation) will also be made available online via the museum’s website.

Entry to Louvre Abu Dhabi is free of charge for visitors aged 18 and under. Only accompanying adults above 18 will need to purchase museum tickets for the whole family to access all Louvre Abu Dhabi galleries and exhibitions.

The full programme of “Sustainability in Museums” will be available on the website. To learn more and to make a booking, please visit https://www.louvreabudhabi.ae/en/whats-on/sustainability-in-museums-talks