Kiran Nadar Museum of Art Appoints Louvre Abu Dhabi Director as CEO for Major Expansion
In a significant move for India's art scene, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) has announced the appointment of Manuel Rabaté, the esteemed director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, as its new chief executive officer and director. This strategic hire comes as the museum prepares to unveil a sprawling new campus in Delhi, positioning itself as a premier cultural destination in South Asia.
From Mall Gallery to Global Ambition
When philanthropist and art collector Kiran Nadar first opened a private museum for modern and contemporary art in 2010, housed unexpectedly in a mall, her vision was clear: to make art accessible to the public and establish a world-class institution for India. Now, 15 years later, that ambition is taking a monumental leap forward with Rabaté's appointment. Nadar, founder and chairperson of KNMA, has long expressed her desire to give Delhi an enduring cultural landmark, akin to the Guggenheim Bilbao, that would transform the city's architectural and artistic landscape.
Manuel Rabaté: A Veteran Leader with International Pedigree
Manuel Rabaté brings over 25 years of international experience to KNMA, having shaped Louvre Abu Dhabi into the Arab world's first universal museum. Under his leadership, the museum welcomed more than six million visitors since its 2017 opening and gained global recognition for:
- Ambitious exhibitions and international loans
- A strong focus on education and capacity-building
- Innovative programming that engages diverse audiences
In a statement, Kiran Nadar praised Rabaté as "one of the international art world's most experienced and respected leaders", highlighting his decade of exceptional success at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
The New KNMA Campus: A South Asian Cultural Beacon
Rabaté's appointment coincides with KNMA's most consequential project yet: a new campus spanning over one million square feet, which will become the largest museum and cultural center in South Asia. This expansion aims to put Delhi firmly on the global museum map, fulfilling Nadar's vision of a masterpiece of architecture for the city. The museum has grown organically from Nadar's personal collecting journey, which began with a single painting by Rameshwar Broota and now houses thousands of works by artists like Bharti Kher, Nalini Malani, M.F. Husain, Tyeb Mehta, and S.H. Raza.
Education and Community Engagement at the Core
Since its founding, KNMA has prioritized education and outreach, engaging more than a million students through school and community programs. The museum has expanded its scope to include:
- Landmark exhibitions of Indian modernists
- Contemporary art practices and cross-cultural dialogues
- A dedicated performing arts program commissioning original works
Rabaté emphasized that KNMA is defining what a 21st-century museum can be—one that champions artists, inspires learners, and engages communities through innovative exhibitions and education programs.
Transition to Global Leadership
Rabaté's appointment marks a new phase for KNMA, transitioning from a founder-led institution to one with globally benchmarked museum leadership. He will assume the role in early spring 2026, continuing as director of Louvre Abu Dhabi until then. At KNMA, he will work closely with the senior leadership team to steer the institution's next growth phase, calling the move both an honor and an opportunity to contribute to India's vibrant art ecosystem.
