The Louvre Abu Dhabi has confirmed that Leonardo da Vinci’s Salvator Mundi, which sold for an epic US$450m last November at Christie’s New York, will be on show at the museum from 18 September this year.

The buyer of this record-shattering purchase was first identified as the Saudi Arabian Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Farhan al-Saud, according to the New York Times. It was followed by an announcement made by Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism confirming it has acquired the Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece Salvator Mundi. The painting is likely a gift from Saudi Arabia to the UAE as a sign of the strong friendship between the two countries. It is believed that the acquisition was made by Prince Bader, on behalf of the Saudi government.

Saudi Arabia's 32-year-old crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman

The 500-year-old portrait of Jesus Christ is one of fewer than 20 surviving paintings by the Renaissance master, and the only one that was in private hands. Experts did not attribute the paintiing to da Vinci until restoration work peeled away layers of overpainting and confirmed its authenticity.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

The museum is currently displaying da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronniere (1490) which they borrowed from the Louvre in Paris. The painting will make its way back to the Louvre as Salvator Mundi arrives.

Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronniere

Following La Belle Ferronniere, Salvator Mundi will be the second da Vinci painting to be displayed at the the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The painting will be a centerpiece of the museum, placed at its relevant point in history as the museum adopts a chronological universal narrative. It will then travel to the Louvre in Paris for a Leonardo show celebrating 500 years since his death from October 2019 to February 2020, which will sure be one of the most historic exhibitions of all times.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi

Opening hours
Tuesdays - Wednesdays, Saturdays - Sundays｜10am - 8pm
Thursdays - Fridays｜10am - 10pm
Closed on Mondays
Address: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Admission:
General admission｜AED 60 (US$16.3)
Age 13 - 22｜AED 30 (about US$8.2)
Age 13 below, visitors with a physical disability and one accompanying person/journalists  ｜Free
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