Driving between Dubai and Abu Dhabi got more interesting as Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Highway Gallery returns for its second edition.
Ten new artworks from the museum’s permanent collection reproduced as giant 3D sculptures will appear alongside the E11.
Drivers can tune into local partner radio channels, Radio 1 FM (100.5FM), Classic FM (91.6 FM) and Emarat FM (95.8 FM), to hear a 30-second story about the artwork as they are passing by. The radio scripts explaining the artworks have been voiced by a select group of renowned personalities that represent the multicultural voices of the UAE, including young inventor Fatima Al Kaabi, chef Khaled Alsaadi, TV host Sherif Fayed and figure skater Zahra Lari.
Highway Gallery 2.0 includes work from different moments of history such a vase from around 7,500 years ago, found on the UAE island of Marawah; a 4,000-year-old statuette of an ancient Bactrian Princess as well as a 11th or 12th century statue from China representing Guanyin.
Other historic artefacts include a 15th century Islamic helmet, a 17th century Hindu manuscript depicting a huntress, and a Japanese suit of armour from the early 18th century.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, “The Highway Gallery is a flagship project for both the UAE and the international museum landscape, being the first initiative of its kind. Now it returns, to once again offer a pioneering way to engage residents and visitors alike with the museum’s collection, outside of its walls.”
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi added, “The vision of Highway Gallery was always to take Louvre Abu Dhabi’s art works to our public in their everyday lives. With the Highway Gallery 2.0, our collection is brought to life by prominent voices from the UAE telling you the history of these artworks and their hidden stories.”