AE Upcoming

Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean

Name: Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean
Start: 2026-10-14
End: 2027-02-14
Location: Abu Dhabi

Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean is a major exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi exploring a millennium of maritime exchange and trade. Presented in partnership with the National Museum of Asian Arts – Guimet, the showcase examines the cultural connections forged across the Indian Ocean from Antiquity through the 17th century.

Date: Oct 14, 2026 - Feb 14, 2027
Location: Abu Dhabi
Status: Upcoming

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AE Upcoming

Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean

Date: Oct 14, 2026 - Feb 14, 2027
Location: Abu Dhabi

Exhibition History Maritime

Event summary

Highlights

Exploration of maritime trade routes from Antiquity to the 17th century
Displays featuring historical textiles, ceramics, and special cargos
Partnership with the National Museum of Asian Arts – Guimet in Paris
Focus on cultural exchange between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia

Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean is a featured exhibition in Louvre Abu Dhabi's 2026-2027 season, organized in collaboration with the National Museum of Asian Arts – Guimet in France. The exhibition sheds light on the vast maritime routes that linked ancient societies across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and South and Southeast Asia. It positions the Indian Ocean as a historical crossroads where trade and navigation fostered deep cultural and artistic exchange.

Spanning from Antiquity to the 17th century, the exhibition features a diverse array of artifacts including textiles, ceramics, and spices. These objects illustrate the stories of movement and craftsmanship that shaped regional identities. The curatorial team includes Dr. Guilhem André from Louvre Abu Dhabi and Dr. Claire Déléry from the Guimet, focusing on the universal languages of trade and human ingenuity that define these interconnected histories.

Practical details

Location described by the source: Louvre Abu Dhabi; www.mediaoffice.abudhabi
Area for browsing nearby events: Abu Dhabi

Before attending

Check the sources below for current opening times, admission prices and registration requirements. A date range does not mean the event runs continuously or that admission is free.