The unveiling of Una Bulaqueña by Filipino master painter Juan Luna at Louvre Abu Dhabi on June 17, 2025. SUPPLIED

The Philippine national cultural treasure Una Bulaqueña by Filipino master painter Juan Luna has been unveiled at Louvre Abu Dhabi, where it will remain on display until June 2026. This is the first time that the iconic painting is being exhibited outside the Philippines for an extended period. The recent unveiling ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Louvre Abu Dhabi; Alfonso Ver, Philippine Ambassador to the UAE; and Jorell Legaspi, Deputy Director-General of the National Museum of the Philippines. “This event marks our first direct collaboration with the National Museum of the Philippines and highlights our commitment to showcasing global cultural narratives,” said Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. Painted in 1895, Una Bulaqueña depicts a poised Filipina woman from Bulacan dressed in traditional attire, representing the dignity and strength of the Filipino spirit. Created during Spanish colonial rule, the painting merges European artistic tradition with a distinctly Filipino identity—challenging artistic norms of the time by placing a Filipina, rather than a European subject, at its center. "While we at the National Museum feel a measure of wistfulness as we part with this beloved painting for the time being, the opportunity to share it with the diverse and vibrant audience of Abu Dhabi brings far greater joy,” said Legaspi. “This city offers a fitting setting for the appreciation of Luna’s genius and of the broader contributions of Southeast Asian and Filipino art to the world’s cultural heritage.” Displayed between Renoir’s La Tasse de Chocolat and Manet’s The Bohemian, Luna’s masterpiece strengthens Louvre Abu Dhabi’s commitment to cultural universality. “This treasured masterpiece resonates deeply with our mission—to tell stories that cross borders, uphold identity, and expand understanding through art,” Rabaté added. Ambassador Ver called the exhibit a “significant cultural exchange” that reaffirms deepening relations between the Philippines and the UAE. Una Bulaqueña is one of the most iconic works in Philippine art, safeguarded through World War II and officially declared a National Cultural Treasure in 2008. ICA/Expat Media
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