Valerie Hillings Appointed as the Inaugural Director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Museum

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Welcomes Its Inaugural Director

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, a landmark institution set to become a pillar of the Saadiyat Cultural District, has officially appointed Dr. Valerie Hillings as its inaugural director.

As the museum gears up for its grand opening, Dr. Hillings brings with her a wealth of experience that spans nearly a decade. She served as a curator and associate director of curatorial affairs for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project, where she worked closely with the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi. Her role involved shaping the museum's initial collection strategies, overseeing pre-opening programming, and collaborating on its architectural design by the renowned Frank Gehry.

A Visionary Leader for a Cultural Beacon

Dr. Hillings’ extensive background includes significant stints at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, where she spent five years as a pivotal member of the curatorial team. Most recently, she led the North Carolina Museum of Art as its director from 2018, where she not only revitalized the museum's permanent collection but also doubled its annual visitor numbers, achieving a remarkable footfall of 1.2 million.

Dr. Hillings holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Art History and Archaeology from New York University’s Institute of Fine Arts and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Art History from Duke University, specializing in modern and contemporary art. Her academic qualifications and practical experiences position her uniquely to breathe life into the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi’s ambitious cultural vision.

The Beginning of a New Era

Expressing her excitement about returning to Abu Dhabi, Dr. Hillings stated, "I am honored to return to Abu Dhabi to culminate the unique experience of founding and inaugurating the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. A museum developed in the UAE by colleagues from the region and around the world, I look forward to welcoming local and international audiences to explore unique narratives through the lens of art from the 1960s to the present day."

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is not merely an art museum; it is designed to foster intercultural dialogue and generational connections. With 30 galleries spread over an impressive 11,600 square meters of interior exhibition space and an additional 23,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition areas, it promises to become a leading global platform for modern and contemporary art.

The institution aims to reinforce Abu Dhabi's status as a global hub for artistic innovation and cultural exchange, hosting a rich array of exhibitions, research initiatives, and public programs.

A Cultural Destination Awaits

Set against the backdrop of other eminent institutions in the Saadiyat Cultural District, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is anticipated to attract art enthusiasts and tourists alike. This vibrant cultural cluster is poised to redefine the cultural landscape of the UAE, enriching the connections between diverse cultures through the universal language of art.

As the museum prepares for its launch, art lovers and the public can stay updated on the latest developments and sneak peeks of upcoming exhibitions by following Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on social media platforms. The anticipation is palpable as this cultural centerpiece gears up to open its doors and share a dynamic journey through its exhibitions that celebrate artistic expression and cultural narratives.