Valerie Hillings Appointed Director and CEO of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi

The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, designed by Frank Gehry in the Saadiyat Cultural District, has announced its opening date of December 11, 2026, and the appointment of Valerie Hillings as its first director and CEO. Hillings, an American art historian, returns to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, where she previously held roles. The museum, which has been in development for nearly two decades, will now transition from construction to a functioning institution under her leadership. Hillings will be responsible for establishing the museum's identity, programming, and public engagement. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the project, which has faced numerous delays and revisions. The museum is part of the broader cultural development in Abu Dhabi's Saadiyat Island, which also includes the Louvre Abu Dhabi and other cultural institutions.