Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Welcomes Dr. Valerie Hillings as Its First Director

Museum on the Horizon: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi's New Director

In a groundbreaking announcement on August 4, 2026, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has officially appointed Dr. Valerie Hillings as the inaugural Director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. With expectations high for this pivotal cultural institution, Dr. Hillings' appointment marks a significant milestone in the development of Abu Dhabi's cultural vision and ambitions.

As a cornerstone of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi stands alongside illustrious institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum, solidifying its position as a global hub for artistic expression. The partnership of these institutions not only emphasizes Abu Dhabi’s role in the broad spectrum of culture but also reflects the city’s thoughtful engagement in global dialogues surrounding art, history, and innovation.

Dr. Hillings is well-acquainted with the Guggenheim landscape, having played a key role during her previous tenure with the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation from 2009 to 2018. Her extensive experience includes collaborating with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi on collection strategies and acquisitions, as well as programming leading up to the museum's opening. This history uniquely positions Dr. Hillings to ensure the vision of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is rooted firmly in the UAE while also fostering international ties and cultural exchanges.

At the heart of her mission, Dr. Hillings will oversee the strategic direction of the museum, selecting inaugural exhibitions and developing innovative programs that connect the local and international communities. With a career that includes leadership of the North Carolina Museum of Art, where she nearly doubled visitor attendance and dramatically expanded its collection, Dr. Hillings has demonstrated a capacity for growth and engagement that will be vital for the launch of this monumental establishment.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Dr. Hillings stated, "I am honored to return to Abu Dhabi to complete the once-in-a-lifetime journey of founding and opening Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. I look forward to welcoming local and global audiences to the magnificent Frank Gehry-designed building and inviting them to explore points of interconnection and unique stories through the lens of art from the 1960s to our time."

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi aims to stimulate cross-cultural dialogue through its diverse collection and programming, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's emerging role as a center for artistic innovation. With a sprawling 11,600 square meters of exhibition space and 30 galleries, its architectural marvel promises to be one of the most significant platforms for modern and contemporary art worldwide, set to engage audiences in a vibrant exploration of art, culture, and history.

As the museum gears up for its opening, various public programs, exhibitions, and commissions are in the works, aimed at celebrating the interplay of cultures and enhancing the visitor experience. Dr. Hillings’ background in modern and contemporary art, highlighted by her academic credentials—a PhD and an MA from New York University and an AB from Duke University—ensures that she will bring an informed perspective to the artistic direction of the museum, paving the way for a dynamic future.

As excitement builds for the opening of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, it promises not only to be a museum but a transformative cultural experience that makes impactful contributions to the global dialogue on art and creativity. With Dr. Hillings at the helm, the future of this remarkable institution looks bright, promising engagement and inspiration as diverse as the art it will display.