Not sure what to do this week? I’ve got some ideas for you – how about exploring Abu Dhabi’s art scene for FREE. Right now, the capital is home to three incredible exhibitions, that unpack everything from history, and culture to identity, memories and more. So, that perfect excuse you were looking for to grab a friend and spend the day soaking up some creativity, consider it found. Keep reading to find out all the stunning details on Abu Dhabi’s free exhibitions this September.
Also read: 11 FREE Things You Can Get On Your Birthday In Abu Dhabi!
FREE Exhibits In To Enjoy In Abu Dhabi Right Now
1. And Escobar Saavedra: It Starts Where It Ends – Until September 7
This exhibition will have you thinking in a whole new way of what it means “to be.” Ana Escobar Saavedra’s first solo show dives deep into identity, memory, and the balance between what’s permanent and what’s fleeting. Drawing inspiration from her Spanish roots and the dual meaning of the verbs ser (inherent) and estar (temporary), she brings these concepts to life through thought-provoking installations.
You’ll find this exhibit at the artsy 421 Arts Campus in Mina Zayed Port, a hotspot for Abu Dhabi’s creative community. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 8pm (closed Mondays) and totally free to explore. Just make sure you catch it before it wraps up on September 7.
Visit 421 Arts Campus’s website for more information on the exhibition and future events.
2. To Know Malaysia Is To Love Malaysia – Until September 10
Get ready for a colourful trip through Malaysia’s artistic journey with this incredible showcase from The AFK Collection. Considered the most comprehensive collection of first-generation Malaysian contemporary art, this exhibit is like a crash course in Malaysia’s “Golden Era” of creativity. You’ll get to see works by some of the biggest names in Malaysian art. Get ready for the likes of Ahmad Fuad Osman, Yusof Ghani, and Anniketyni Madian, all spread across five themes that reflect the country’s artistic and cultural growth.
The exhibit is open at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saturday to Thursday from 9am to 8pm, and Friday from 2pm to 8pm- and yes, it’s free for everyone! Drop by before it ends on September 10!
Visit Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation’s website for more information on the exhibition and future events.
3. Visions of the Orient At Bassam Freiha Art Foundation – Permanent Exhibition
Looking for something timeless? The brand-new Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island is now open. And it’s the first and only private art foundation in Abu Dhabi’s Cultural District. Its inaugural exhibition, ‘Echoes of the Orient’, blends 19th-century photography with masterpieces from the orientalist movement, plus works by modern and contemporary Arab artists. It’s an eye-opening mix of history and creativity, beautifully displayed inside a futuristic building right by Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Best of all, this one’s a permanent exhibition! So while you don’t need to rush, you definitely should add it to your art bucket list. Entry is free, and the doors are open daily from 10am to 8pm.
Visit Bassam Freiha Art Foundation’s website for more information on the exhibition and future events.
