NMP LOANS “UNA BULAQUEÑA” TO LOUVRE ABU DHABI

The National Museum of the Philippines proudly announces the successful loan and display of Juan Luna’s “𝘜𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘲𝘶𝘦ñ𝘢” at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Painted by Juan Luna, 𝘜𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘲𝘶𝘦ñ𝘢 depicts a young Filipino woman from Bulacan dressed in traditional attire. Her contemplative gaze and upright posture speak volumes about the grace and strength of a Filipina. The artwork also reflects Luna’s mastery of merging the European art traditions of his time with the distinct dynamism of Filipino identity. Standing side by side with Luna’s opus are Auguste Renoir’s 𝘓𝘢 𝘛𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦 𝘥𝘶 𝘊𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵 and Edouard Manet’s 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘢𝘯.

Acquired by the National Museum of the Philippines and having survived the tumultuous period of World War II, 𝘜𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘲𝘶𝘦ñ𝘢 was declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008. 

The unveiling ceremony was attended by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi, alongside His Excellency 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. The loan marks the first direct collaboration between the NMP and LAD, signalling a major milestone in the cultural dialogue between the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates.

The LAD Chairman highlighted their museum’s commitment to promoting universality and global cultural exchange. “With this display of 𝘜𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘲𝘶𝘦ñ𝘢, Abu Dhabi audiences will have the opportunity to discover a great deal about its cultural and art historical context, thereby learning more about the rich and fascinating history of the Philippines,” he added.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Alfonso A. Ver pointed out that this exchange is a testament to the strengthening bilateral relations between the UAE and the Philippines. “This significant cultural exchange reflects our shared commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation through art,” he said.

Further, Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, added that 𝘜𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘲𝘶𝘦ñ𝘢 is a great representation of the heritage and identity of the Filipino people. “At Louvre Abu Dhabi, we are deeply honored to bring this treasured masterpiece to the Arab world for the first time… This exceptional loan strengthens our universal narrative by placing Southeast Asia’s voice at the heart of our global dialogue,” he stated.

Talking about the significance of the painting’s display at LAD, Mr. Jorell Legaspi said, “While we at the National Museum feel a measure of wistfulness as we part with this beloved painting for the time being, the opportunity to share it with the diverse and vibrant audience of Abu Dhabi brings far greater joy. This city, a global crossroads of ideas and cultures, offers a fitting setting for the appreciation of Luna’s genius—and of the broader contributions of Southeast Asian and Filipino art to the world’s cultural heritage.”

Mr. Legaspi also highlighted that the painting “will bring a sense of familiarity and belonging to thousands of Filipinos across the United Arab Emirates and the greater Middle East.”

𝘜𝘯𝘢 𝘉𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘲𝘶𝘦ñ𝘢 will remain on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until June 2026.

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