Guggenheim Abu Dhabi has reached a major milestone ahead of its opening with the appointment of its first museum director. Officials announced that Dr. Valerie Hillings will serve as the inaugural leader of the institution as it prepares to welcome visitors in the coming years.
The appointment was announced by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Officials said Hillings will guide the museum’s overall strategy, oversee its first exhibitions, and help shape public programs that will introduce audiences to the new cultural landmark.
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Director appointment comes as the museum moves closer to opening its doors. The institution is expected to play a central role in Abu Dhabi’s long-term cultural vision and strengthen the emirate’s position as a global destination for art and creativity.
Located in the Saadiyat Cultural District, the museum will stand alongside several major cultural institutions. These include the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum, the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and the teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi.
Together, these institutions are helping transform Saadiyat Island into one of the world’s most important cultural destinations.
Hillings brings significant museum and leadership experience to the role. She is closely connected to the development of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and has worked on the project for many years.
Between 2009 and 2018, Hillings served as curator and associate director of curatorial affairs for the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Project at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.
During that period, she worked with Abu Dhabi cultural authorities on collection development, acquisitions, educational initiatives, and pre-opening programs. She also contributed to planning efforts for the museum’s building and long-term vision.
Since 2018, Hillings has served as director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. During her leadership, the museum completed a major transformation of its permanent galleries and expanded its collection significantly.
Officials said nearly 400 works were added to the museum’s holdings during her tenure. Attendance also increased substantially, reaching approximately 1.2 million visitors annually.
Hillings said she was honored to return to Abu Dhabi and continue the work of establishing the museum. She described the opportunity as a unique experience and expressed enthusiasm about welcoming visitors to the new institution.
She also highlighted the importance of connecting local and international audiences through art and shared cultural experiences.
The museum has been designed by internationally recognized architect Frank Gehry. The building is expected to become one of the most recognizable cultural landmarks in the region.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will focus on modern and contemporary art from the 1960s to the present day. The institution plans to present works by artists from around the world while offering a perspective shaped by Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural position.
Museum leaders say exhibitions, commissions, research projects, and educational programs will encourage dialogue across cultures and generations.
The facility will include 30 galleries spread across approximately 11,600 square meters of indoor exhibition space. Visitors will also have access to about 23,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition areas located on surrounding terraces and architectural structures.
According to officials, the museum’s scale will make it one of the largest institutions dedicated to modern and contemporary art anywhere in the world.
The appointment of the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Director represents another important step toward the museum’s opening. As construction and preparations continue, cultural leaders believe the institution will help expand Abu Dhabi’s global influence in the arts while creating new opportunities for education, creativity, and international cultural exchange.
