ONE of Juan Luna’s famous paintings, ‘Una Bulaqueña’ is set to be displayed at Louvre Abu Dhabi (LAD) in the United Arab Emirates.
“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.” caption on their Facebook post.
The painting depicts a young Filipina from Bulacan who is dressed in her traditional outfit. Upon looking at the painting, she is painted in a way that speaks volumes about the grace and strength of a Filipina.
In 2008, the painting was declared as a National Cultural Treasure after surviving numerous events during World War II.
Amongst the people who attended the ceremony are the Chairman of LAB Chairman of LAD, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak; the Ambassador of the Philippines in the UAE, His Excellency Alfonso A. Ver; and Deputy Director-General of the NMP, Jorell M. Legaspi.
Al Mubarak stated that the LAD is committed to ‘promoting universality and global cultural exchange’ and by exhibiting Luna’s painting, Abu Dhabi will discover a great deal about its cultural and historical art context within the Philippines.
Ver added that this exchange is a testament that strengthens the bilateral relations between the two countries. “This significant cultural exchange reflects our shared commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation through art.”
Furthermore, the Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi added that the painting 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.
The National Museum has loaned the painting to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, where it will be exhibited until June 2026.
