Abu Dhabi: Louvre Abu Dhabi and the National Museum of the Philippines announced the unveiling of Una Bulaque±a, an iconic oil painting by Filipino artist Juan Luna, within the museum's permanent galleries. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside Alfonso A. Ver, Ambassador of the Philippines in the UAE and Mr. Jorell M. Legaspi, Deputy Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines.
According to Emirates News Agency, this historic event marks the museum's first direct collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines and underscores a growing cultural dialogue between the two nations. Declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008, Una Bulaque±a is an exceptional loan and a rare display of the masterpiece outside of the Philippines. The artwork will remain on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi for one year, offering visitors insight into Filipino identity, history, and artistic expression.
Al Mubarak emphasized the significance of the exhibition, stating that the showcasing of Una Bulaque±a at Louvre Abu Dhabi is a testament to the museum's vision of universality and global cultural exchange. He highlighted the opportunity for Abu Dhabi audiences to discover more about the cultural and art historical context of the Philippines.
Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver highlighted the event as a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations between the Philippines and the UAE. He noted that the loan of Una Bulaque±a reflects the ever-deepening and dynamic relations between the two countries, showcasing a shared commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation through art.
Painted by Juan Luna, one of the Philippines' most celebrated artists, Una Bulaque±a reflects his ability to merge European academic traditions with a sense of Filipino identity. Created in 1895 during the Spanish occupation of the Philippines, the masterpiece captures a poised young Filipina woman from Bulacan, dressed in traditional attire that reflects Spanish colonial influence. The painting challenges conventional notions of artistic hierarchy by centering a Filipina.
The painting's presence at Louvre Abu Dhabi strengthens the museum's commitment to cultural universality. Displayed alongside works by Auguste Renoir and Edouard Manet, Una Bulaque±a broadens the gallery's display of modernity and portraiture. Manuel Rabat©, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, described the painting as a powerful symbol of national identity and cultural pride, resonating with the museum's mission to tell stories that cross borders and expand understanding through art.
Jorell Legaspi of the National Museum of the Philippines expressed a sense of wistfulness in parting with the painting but emphasized the joy of sharing it with Abu Dhabi's diverse audience. He noted that the city offers a fitting setting for the appreciation of Luna's genius and the broader contributions of Southeast Asian and Filipino art to the world's cultural heritage.
Una Bulaque±a, safeguarded through the tumultuous period of World War II, represents both an artistic and historic milestone. Its display at Louvre Abu Dhabi until June 2026 offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience this masterpiece firsthand.