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

Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Introduces Dr. Valerie Hillings as First Director

The cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi is set to evolve significantly with the recent appointment of Dr. Valerie Hillings as the inaugural director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. Announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism, this decision marks a pivotal moment for both the museum and the capital's artistic ambitions.

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is not just any museum; it is a cornerstone of the Saadiyat Cultural District, one of the most ambitious cultural projects globally, housing renowned institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, and the Abu Dhabi Natural History Museum. This district is a vivid testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment to being a leader in cultural offerings and artistic development.

Dr. Hillings is an accomplished leader with a rich history in curatorial practice and museum leadership. She previously held significant roles at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, particularly in relation to the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi project, where she was instrumental from 2009 to 2018. Her contributions spanned collection strategies, acquisitions, and pre-opening programming, collaborating closely with the Department of Culture and Tourism. Her previous experience at the Guggenheim Museum in New York further bolsters her credentials, making her a fitting choice for this monumental role.

Since 2018, she has served as the director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, where she achieved innovative milestones, including a gallery redesign and a substantial growth in visitor numbers to 1.2 million annually. Dr. Hillings holds advanced degrees in art history and archaeology from New York University and a bachelor's degree in art history from Duke University, focusing on modern and contemporary art.

In her words, Dr. Hillings expressed her excitement and honor in returning to Abu Dhabi, stating, “I am thrilled to complete the unique journey of establishing and opening Guggenheim Abu Dhabi—a museum shaped by colleagues in the UAE and across the globe. I look forward to welcoming visitors from the region and around the world into the stunning Frank Gehry-designed building, inviting them to discover connections and unique narratives through the lens of art from the 1960s to today.”

The anticipated Guggenheim Abu Dhabi aims to forge dialogue through its extensive collection, dynamic exhibitions, commissioned works, research initiatives, and community programming. With the capacity of 30 galleries, covering 11,600 square meters of indoor exhibition space and an additional 23,000 square meters outdoors, the museum promises to be an influential platform for modern and contemporary art on the world stage.

The overarching goal of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, under Dr. Hillings' leadership, is to enhance Abu Dhabi's role as a global hub for artistic innovation, creativity, and cultural exchange. Through various programs and activities, the museum aspires to connect diverse cultures and generations, creating an inclusive narrative steered by art and culture.

As the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi prepares for its grand opening, the art community eagerly anticipates the transformation it will bring, not just to the local cultural landscape but also to the global art scene. With Dr. Hillings at the helm, the future looks exceptionally bright, paving the way for a transformative experience for art enthusiasts and the general public alike.