A landmark exhibition opening at Louvre Abu Dhabi is looking at how Islamic art inspired some of the western world’s most coveted and exclusive pieces of jewellery.

Called Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design, the exhibition traces the famed French jewellery house's design inspirations from the beginning of the 20th century to the present day. Through 400 objects, it spans masterpieces of Islamic art, jewellery, drawings, design sketches, miniatures, textiles, photographs and archival material.

It is co-organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi, Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Musee du Louvre and France Museums with the support of Cartier.

Besides the priceless pieces on display, the exhibition also features an immersive digital space, where large animations show artistic interpretations of the physical assembly of Cartier key pieces and their source of inspiration.

While the exhibition has had previous iterations in Paris and Dallas, new connections between Cartier and the Islamic world have since come to light. Meaning the show at Louvre Abu Dhabi is the most sprawling and detailed yet.

Besides Cartier, Louvre Abu Dhabi has also partnered with luxury Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille for another exhibition called Art Here 2023.

Held under the museum’s intricate dome for the first time with the theme Transparencies, Art Here 2023 features sculptures and installations that explore the dynamics of transparency, as well as its material and perceptual significance.

Curated by independent art curator and adviser Maya El Khalil, the exhibition spotlights the works of artists from across the region including independent Saudi artist Alaa Tarabzouni; Kuwaiti multidisciplinary artist Farah Behbehani; Emirati painter Hashel Al Lamki; Indian artist and UAE resident Nabla Yahya; Saudi visual and performance artist Sarah Brahim; Syrian artist siblings Sawsan and Bahar Al Bahar, who live in the UAE; and Saudi visual and land artist Zahrah Al Ghamdi.

Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2023 is on display until February 18

Coinciding with Cop28, Louvre Abu Dhabi and France Museums are joining forces for Sustainability in Museums on December 7. Being a rest day for Cop28, visitors can make the most of a series of cultural programmes, specially curated tours, talks and more.

The aim is to get global and local experts to talk about the pivotal role museums, professionals and artists play in tackling environmental challenges and helping to create a more sustainable future. The guided tours will explore sustainability through the design of Louvre Abu Dhabi and delve into its unique environmental microclimate, the environmental standards observed and how it intertwines with the UAE’s cultural heritage. Specific artworks that explore sustainability will be highlighted on the tour.