emirates7 - Louvre Abu Dhabi and the National Museum of the Philippines have jointly announced the unveiling of Una Bulaqueña, a renowned oil painting by Filipino artist Juan Luna, now featured in the museum’s permanent collection.
The unveiling event was attended by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi; Alfonso A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE; and Jorell M. Legaspi, Deputy Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines.
This landmark occasion marks the first direct partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and the National Museum of the Philippines, highlighting an expanding cultural exchange between the two countries.
Declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008, Una Bulaqueña is a significant loan and a rare opportunity to view this masterpiece outside the Philippines. The painting will be exhibited at Louvre Abu Dhabi for one year, offering visitors a deep insight into Filipino heritage, history, and artistry.
Al Mubarak remarked, “Displaying this exceptional artwork at Louvre Abu Dhabi reflects our museum’s commitment to universality and cultural exchange. Culture connects us by emphasizing our shared humanity and fostering understanding among diverse peoples. With Una Bulaqueña on display, audiences in Abu Dhabi can explore the rich cultural and historical context of the Philippines.”
Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver described the event as a symbol of the strengthening ties between the Philippines and the UAE.
“The loan of Una Bulaqueña, a National Cultural Treasure by Juan Luna, exemplifies the growing and dynamic relations between our countries. This meaningful cultural exchange demonstrates our shared dedication to promoting understanding and collaboration through art. The Philippine Embassy is honored to be part of this important moment and remains committed to fostering cultural dialogue between the Philippines and the UAE,” he said.
Created in 1895 during Spanish colonial rule, Juan Luna’s Una Bulaqueña showcases his mastery in blending European academic styles with a profound Filipino identity. The painting depicts a poised young Filipina woman from Bulacan, a province known for its cultural richness and nationalist spirit.
She is dressed in traditional garments—a camisa, saya (long skirt), pañuelo (neck scarf), and tapis (knee-length overskirt)—and holds a fan and handkerchief, symbols of dignity and social status influenced by Spanish colonial fashion. Her thoughtful expression and upright stance convey the pride, grace, and resilience of the Filipino people. By centering a Filipina rather than a European aristocrat, Luna challenges conventional artistic norms and reclaims Filipino representation amid colonial oppression.
Exhibited alongside Auguste Renoir’s La Tasse de Chocolat (Cup of Chocolate) and Edouard Manet’s The Bohemian, Una Bulaqueña enriches Louvre Abu Dhabi’s narrative on modern portraiture and cultural diversity.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, stated, “Una Bulaqueña is more than a portrait—it embodies national pride and identity. We are honored to present this treasured artwork to the Arab world for the first time in partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines.
Juan Luna’s painting, with its quiet dignity and Filipino roots, aligns with our mission as the UAE’s cultural flagship to share stories that transcend borders, celebrate identity, and foster global understanding through art. This loan amplifies our universal story by placing Southeast Asia’s voice at the center of our cultural dialogue.”
Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines, expressed mixed feelings about lending the beloved painting but recognized the joy of sharing it with Abu Dhabi’s diverse audience.
“While we feel some wistfulness parting with this cherished piece, the chance to present it to Abu Dhabi’s vibrant cultural community is a source of great happiness. This city, a global crossroads of ideas and cultures, is the perfect place to celebrate Luna’s genius and the broader contributions of Filipino and Southeast Asian art to world heritage. We are also heartened knowing that this painting will resonate with thousands of Filipinos living across the UAE and the wider Middle East.”
Una Bulaqueña was acquired by the National Museum of the Philippines and preserved through the challenges of World War II, making its display in Abu Dhabi a significant artistic and historic milestone. The painting will remain on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until June 2026, allowing visitors a unique opportunity to experience this masterpiece firsthand.
The unveiling event was attended by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi; Alfonso A. Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE; and Jorell M. Legaspi, Deputy Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines.
This landmark occasion marks the first direct partnership between Louvre Abu Dhabi and the National Museum of the Philippines, highlighting an expanding cultural exchange between the two countries.
Declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008, Una Bulaqueña is a significant loan and a rare opportunity to view this masterpiece outside the Philippines. The painting will be exhibited at Louvre Abu Dhabi for one year, offering visitors a deep insight into Filipino heritage, history, and artistry.
Al Mubarak remarked, “Displaying this exceptional artwork at Louvre Abu Dhabi reflects our museum’s commitment to universality and cultural exchange. Culture connects us by emphasizing our shared humanity and fostering understanding among diverse peoples. With Una Bulaqueña on display, audiences in Abu Dhabi can explore the rich cultural and historical context of the Philippines.”
Ambassador Alfonso A. Ver described the event as a symbol of the strengthening ties between the Philippines and the UAE.
“The loan of Una Bulaqueña, a National Cultural Treasure by Juan Luna, exemplifies the growing and dynamic relations between our countries. This meaningful cultural exchange demonstrates our shared dedication to promoting understanding and collaboration through art. The Philippine Embassy is honored to be part of this important moment and remains committed to fostering cultural dialogue between the Philippines and the UAE,” he said.
Created in 1895 during Spanish colonial rule, Juan Luna’s Una Bulaqueña showcases his mastery in blending European academic styles with a profound Filipino identity. The painting depicts a poised young Filipina woman from Bulacan, a province known for its cultural richness and nationalist spirit.
She is dressed in traditional garments—a camisa, saya (long skirt), pañuelo (neck scarf), and tapis (knee-length overskirt)—and holds a fan and handkerchief, symbols of dignity and social status influenced by Spanish colonial fashion. Her thoughtful expression and upright stance convey the pride, grace, and resilience of the Filipino people. By centering a Filipina rather than a European aristocrat, Luna challenges conventional artistic norms and reclaims Filipino representation amid colonial oppression.
Exhibited alongside Auguste Renoir’s La Tasse de Chocolat (Cup of Chocolate) and Edouard Manet’s The Bohemian, Una Bulaqueña enriches Louvre Abu Dhabi’s narrative on modern portraiture and cultural diversity.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, stated, “Una Bulaqueña is more than a portrait—it embodies national pride and identity. We are honored to present this treasured artwork to the Arab world for the first time in partnership with the National Museum of the Philippines.
Juan Luna’s painting, with its quiet dignity and Filipino roots, aligns with our mission as the UAE’s cultural flagship to share stories that transcend borders, celebrate identity, and foster global understanding through art. This loan amplifies our universal story by placing Southeast Asia’s voice at the center of our cultural dialogue.”
Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General for Museums of the National Museum of the Philippines, expressed mixed feelings about lending the beloved painting but recognized the joy of sharing it with Abu Dhabi’s diverse audience.
“While we feel some wistfulness parting with this cherished piece, the chance to present it to Abu Dhabi’s vibrant cultural community is a source of great happiness. This city, a global crossroads of ideas and cultures, is the perfect place to celebrate Luna’s genius and the broader contributions of Filipino and Southeast Asian art to world heritage. We are also heartened knowing that this painting will resonate with thousands of Filipinos living across the UAE and the wider Middle East.”
Una Bulaqueña was acquired by the National Museum of the Philippines and preserved through the challenges of World War II, making its display in Abu Dhabi a significant artistic and historic milestone. The painting will remain on view at Louvre Abu Dhabi until June 2026, allowing visitors a unique opportunity to experience this masterpiece firsthand.