DUBAI: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has appointed Valerie Hillings as the inaugural director of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, marking a major milestone in the development of the highly anticipated cultural institution.
Located within Saadiyat Cultural District, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is set to become a key part of the UAE capital’s expanding cultural landscape, joining institutions including Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
In her new role, Hillings will oversee the museum’s strategic direction, inaugural exhibitions and programs, with a focus on establishing an institution rooted in Abu Dhabi while connecting audiences globally. The museum aims to celebrate modern and contemporary art from the 1960s to the present, while fostering cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange.
Hillings brings extensive experience with Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, having previously served as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation’s curator and associate director of curatorial affairs for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project from 2009 to 2018. During that time, she worked closely with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi on the museum’s collection strategy, acquisitions, pre-opening programming and the development of its Frank Gehry-designed building.
