Filipino artist Juan Luna's 'Una Bulaqueña' was officially unveiled at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
It marks Louvre Abu Dhabi's first direct collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines, underscoring a growing cultural dialogue between the two nations.
Una Bulaqueña, the portrait of a poised woman from Bulacan created in 1895 during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, was declared Philippines' national cultural treasure in 2018. It reflects Luna's unique ability to merge European academic traditions with a deep sense of Filipino identity.
Una Bulaqueña was acquired by the National Museum of the Philippines and safeguarded through World War II, making its arrival in Abu Dhabi both an artistic and historic milestone.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi highlighted that the "special artwork" is "a testament to the museum’s vision of universality and global cultural exchange".
Alfonso A. Ver, Ambassador of the Philippines in the UAE, added that the event is testament to the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE.
Meanwhile, Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines, said the "painting will bring a sense of familiarity and belonging to thousands of Filipinos across the UAE and the greater Middle East".
The oil painting will remain on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi until June 2026, providing visitors a unique opportunity to experience this piece firsthand.
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