Louvre Abu Dhabi Director Manuel Rabaté Named New CEO of Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
In a significant development for India's cultural landscape, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) has announced the appointment of Manuel Rabaté as its new Chief Executive Officer and Director. Rabaté, who currently serves as the Director of the prestigious Louvre Abu Dhabi, is set to take over his responsibilities at KNMA in early spring 2026.
A Leader with Global Museum Expertise
Manuel Rabaté brings an impressive 25 years of leadership experience in the international museum sector to his new role. Since 2016, he has been at the helm of Louvre Abu Dhabi, where he has overseen one of the world's most prominent cultural institutions. His appointment marks a strategic move for KNMA as it continues to expand its influence in the art world.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the new position, Rabaté stated in a press release:
"It is both a great honour and an exciting opportunity to join the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art at a pivotal moment in its journey. KNMA is not only shaping the story of Indian and South Asian art today but is also defining what a 21st-century museum can be — an institution that champions artists, inspires learners, and engages communities through innovative exhibitions, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge education programmes. I look forward to working with the museum's extraordinary team to build a platform that connects creativity, culture, and curiosity, and empowers the next generation of cultural leaders across India and beyond."
Founder's Perspective on the Appointment
Kiran Nadar, Founder and Chairperson of KNMA, highlighted Rabaté's distinguished credentials, noting:
"Rabaté is one of the international art world's most experienced and respected leaders, with a 10-year record of exceptional success heading the Louvre Abu Dhabi."
Rabaté's Illustrious Career Trajectory
Before his tenure at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manuel Rabaté served in several key positions at Agence France-Muséums, including:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Secretary General
- Chief Executive Officer (2008–2016)
Following this, he joined the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, further solidifying his expertise in cultural administration. His career also includes serving as the Deputy Director of Cultural Development at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac in France. Rabaté's contributions to the arts have been recognized with prestigious honors, including being named a Knight of France's National Order of Merit and the Order of Arts and Letters.
KNMA's Expanding Cultural Footprint
Founded in 2010, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art has established itself as a premier institution showcasing some of the most significant works of Indian art. The museum is currently undergoing an exciting expansion with the development of a new cultural centre on the National Highway (NH8) in Delhi.
This multidisciplinary institution for visual and performing arts is designed to feature:
- Dedicated exhibition spaces
- Areas for artistic commissions
- Performance venues
- Public programming facilities
The appointment of Manuel Rabaté comes at a crucial time as KNMA prepares to inaugurate this new facility, positioning the museum to play an even more prominent role in India's cultural ecosystem.
What This Means for India's Art Scene
The recruitment of an internationally renowned museum director like Manuel Rabaté signals KNMA's ambition to strengthen its global connections while deepening its engagement with Indian and South Asian art traditions. With his extensive experience in managing world-class cultural institutions, Rabaté is expected to bring innovative approaches to exhibition curation, audience engagement, and educational programming.
This leadership transition represents a significant moment for India's cultural institutions as they seek to establish stronger international partnerships and elevate the country's position in the global art conversation. The combination of Rabaté's international perspective and KNMA's commitment to showcasing Indian artistic heritage promises to create new opportunities for cultural exchange and artistic innovation.
