Valerie Hillings Appointed as the First Director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

Valerie Hillings Appointed as Director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi has announced the remarkable appointment of Dr. Valerie Hillings as the inaugural director of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. This significant position marks a new chapter not just for the museum, but for the entire cultural district of Saadiyat, renowned for its array of institutions that contribute immensely to the region's cultural identity.

Vision for the Museum

Dr. Hillings will be instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, which aims to become a global hub for modern and contemporary art. As she takes this role, she will oversee the museum's inaugural exhibitions and programs, establishing an institution that connects diverse cultures and inspires audiences.

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is designed to be a beacon of artistic innovation, featuring expansive spaces with a total of 11,600 square meters dedicated to indoor exhibitions and an additional 23,000 square meters allocated for outdoor activities. This ambitious plan positions the Guggenheim as one of the world's largest showcases for modern art, reinforcing Abu Dhabi's role as a leading center for cultural exchange.

Dr. Hillings’ Background

Dr. Hillings is no stranger to the Guggenheim project. Her previous roles include serving as curator and deputy director of curatorial affairs at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation from 2009 to 2018, where she played a key role in the development of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. This experience included collaborating closely with the Abu Dhabi government on collection strategies and pre-opening programming, affirming her deep understanding of the project.

Before her recent appointment, Dr. Hillings was the director of the North Carolina Museum of Art, where she successfully revitalized the permanent collection, adding approximately 400 works and doubling annual attendance to 1.2 million visitors. Her impressive academic credentials include a Ph.D., MA, and BA in Art History and Archaeology from NYU's Institute of Fine Arts and Duke University respectively, with a focus on modern and contemporary art.

A Message from Dr. Hillings

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Dr. Hillings stated, "I am honored to return to Abu Dhabi to lead this unique journey—the creation and inauguration of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. I look forward to welcoming both local and international audiences to this stunning building designed by Frank Gehry, and to inviting them to explore the connections between various eras and individual stories through the lens of art from the 1960s to the present day."

Cultural Impacts

The opening of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is anticipated to greatly enhance the cultural dialogue and artistic innovation in the UAE. Through its diverse collections, dynamic exhibitions, and educational programs, the museum aims to foster cultural discourse and strengthen Abu Dhabi's position on the global artistic stage. This development is a testament to the emirate's commitment to becoming a vibrant hub for artistic and cultural collaboration.

In conclusion, the appointment of Valerie Hillings heralds a promising future for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, as it sets out to engage and inspire a wide audience through the transformative power of art. This initiative stands as a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's cultural vision and a significant step forward in integrating art and community in the region.