The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Manuel Rabaté as its Chief Executive Officer and Director. With more than 25 years of leadership in the global museum sector, he most recently served as the Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, which he has led since 2016, recognized as the Arab world’s first universal museum. From its opening in 2017, he shaped the institution into a globally influential cultural landmark, recognised for its ambitious international exhibition programme, growing permanent collection, and strong focus on education and capacity-building, welcoming more than six million visitors to date. 

Manuel Rabaté has been associated with Louvre Abu Dhabi since its inception, joining Agence France-Muséums shortly after the signing of the intergovernmental agreement between France and Abu Dhabi that enabled the founding of the museum. He served Agence France-Muséums successively as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary General, and Chief Executive Officer (2008–2016) before joining the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to support the museum’s institutional launch. Previously, he was Deputy Director of Cultural Development at the Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac and taught arts and cultural management at Paris-Dauphine University and Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. He is a Knight of France’s National Order of Merit and the Order of Arts and Letters. 

KNMA is entering a transformative phase with the development of its upcoming landmark building, envisioned as the largest integrated cultural centre in India, spanning more than one million square feet on the National Highway (NH8) in Delhi. Conceived as a multidisciplinary institution for visual and performing arts, the new museum will have a greatly expanded capacity for exhibitions, commissions, performances, and public programmes. Manuel Rabaté’s appointment at this pivotal moment brings global museum leadership and deep experience to KNMA, helping realise the institution’s vision of operating at the highest international standards while remaining rooted in the region. 

Founded in 2010, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art has, over the past 15 years, established itself as a leading platform for modern and contemporary visual art in India and South Asia, presenting landmark exhibitions of Indian modernists, contemporary practices, and cross-cultural dialogues. More recently, KNMA expanded its scope with a dedicated performing arts programme, commissioning and presenting original productions, interdisciplinary works, and experimental performances that bridge visual art, movement, music, and theatre. Alongside exhibitions and performances, KNMA has placed education at the core of its mission, engaging more than a million students to date through sustained school and community outreach, inclusive learning initiatives, and innovative educational programming, affirming its commitment to accessibility, critical inquiry, and the nurturing of future audiences. 

Kiran Nadar, Founder and Chairperson, KNMA said, “Manuel Rabaté is one of the international art world’s most experienced and respected leaders, with a ten-year record of exceptional success heading the Louvre Abu Dhabi. As we prepare to inaugurate the new, greatly expanded Kiran Nadar Museum of Art – which, at over one million square feet, will be the largest museum and cultural center in South Asia – we welcome Manuel Rabaté as a CEO and Director with the vision and skills to achieve our highest aspirations.” 

Manuel Rabaté said, “It is both a great honor and an exciting opportunity to join the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art at a pivotal moment in its journey. KNMA is not only shaping the story of Indian and South Asian art today but is also defining what a 21st-century museum can be—an institution that champions artists, inspires learners, and engages communities through innovative exhibitions, immersive experiences, and cutting-edge education programmes. I look forward to working with the Museum’s extraordinary team to build a platform that connects creativity, culture, and curiosity, and empowers the next generation of cultural leaders across India and beyond.” 

Manuel Rabaté will assume his responsibilities in early spring 2026. Until that date, he will continue to serve as Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi. In his role at KNMA, he will work closely with the museum’s senior leadership team to support its next phase of growth, building on the vision that has shaped its national and international standing since its founding.” 

About the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art 

Founded in 2010, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is India’s leading private museum of modern and contemporary art from South Asia. A non-commercial, not-for-profit institution supported by the Shiv Nadar Foundation, KNMA presents exhibitions, commissions, performances, and public programmes that connect visual and performing arts with broad audiences. Through its wide-ranging learning and community initiatives, KNMA works to expand access to the arts and foster deeper engagement with modern and contemporary practices. KNMA is currently under construction on a new purpose-built campus in New Delhi that will significantly expand its exhibition, performance, and learning capacities. Conceived as an interdisciplinary cultural center, the new building will enable more ambitious artistic production, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and public programming, strengthening the museum’s role as a leading cultural platform in India and internationally.