Manuel Rabaté, the former head of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, has been appointed as the new chief executive and director of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in New Delhi. This strategic move coincides with KNMA's ambitious plans for expansion, which involve relocating to a new, custom-designed facility. The upcoming complex, envisioned as the largest cultural hub in South Asia, aims to enhance India's presence on the global art stage, a mission Rabaté is uniquely qualified to lead given his extensive international museum experience.
Rabaté's leadership is anticipated to guide KNMA through a transformative period, as the institution seeks to broaden its impact and offerings. His proven track record in establishing and growing major cultural institutions will be crucial in realizing KNMA's vision of becoming a prominent global art destination while continuing to champion regional artistic narratives.
New Leadership for India's Largest Private Art Museum
Manuel Rabaté, who previously served as the founding director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi since its inception in 2016, has been appointed as the chief executive and director of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) in New Delhi. This significant leadership change positions Rabaté at the helm of one of India's most prominent private art institutions as it embarks on a substantial growth phase. His transition from a globally recognized museum to a burgeoning institution in South Asia highlights a pivotal moment for KNMA, signaling its aspirations for international recognition and expanded influence within the art world.
Rabaté's appointment is a strategic move to infuse global expertise into KNMA as it prepares for a major expansion. The museum, founded in 2010 by Kiran Nadar, is set to relocate from its current location within a shopping mall to a sprawling, purpose-built campus. This new complex, designed by the renowned David Adjaye Associates and situated near Indira Gandhi International Airport, is projected to open within the next three years. This ambitious project aims to establish the facility as the largest museum and cultural center in South Asia, featuring extensive exhibition spaces, performance venues, a library, archives, and an educational center.
KNMA's Vision for Global and Regional Impact
The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art's decision to appoint Manuel Rabaté underscores its commitment to integrating global best practices while retaining a strong regional focus. Rabaté's career prior to joining KNMA includes significant roles at the Louvre and the Musée du Quai Branly–Jacques Chirac in Paris, as well as leading France Muséums, the French government's consultancy for museum development. His experience in establishing and operating the Louvre Abu Dhabi, including overseeing its construction, expanding its collection, and developing its exhibition programs, positions him as an ideal leader for KNMA's ambitious transformation.
Rabaté's tenure at Louvre Abu Dhabi was marked by his ability to cultivate a robust curatorial infrastructure in a region where such expertise was previously limited. His move to New Delhi is driven by a deep interest in South Asia's cultural richness and institutional dynamics, a perspective that aligns perfectly with KNMA's dual goals of achieving global prominence while nurturing local artistic talent and heritage. He will collaborate with KNMA's existing leadership, including chief curator Roobina Karode and Deepanjana Klein, director of acquisitions and development, to ensure a seamless integration of international standards with the museum's foundational regional identity. Rabaté is expected to commence his new role in the first half of this year, following his departure from Louvre Abu Dhabi on March 7.