Furusiyya: The Art of Chivalry Between East and West

July 1, 2020 – October 20, 2020
The museum is open Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 10.00 – 20.00 and Thursday, Friday from 10.00 – 22.00. Tickets can be bought at the door or online.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Tales of knightly culture have been told throughout history – of brave heroes fighting for their sovereign, their religion and their honour; stories of war, loss, comradery and courtly love. But what was this culture of furusiyya and chivalry? How did they begin? And how did they face each other in important historical periods?

This unique exhibition explores the ancient roots of chivalry as well as the role of a knight in combat and the different chivalric codes that developed around the world, from Iraq and Syria in the East, to France and Spain in the West. Through over 130 rare artworks from the 10th to the beginning of the 16th century, including spectacular arms, armour, and rare manuscripts, discover how some of these practices and the knightly spirit became a past time, and how some of them continue around the world to this day. Of particular interest to Cornucopia readers are an Ottoman horse armour from the late 15th century, a piece of armour belonging to Sultan Beyazid II and a travel guide by German clergyman Bernard Breydenbach.

Furusiyya: The Art of Chivalry between East and West is held in partnership with Musée de Cluny, musée national du Moyen Âge in Paris, and Agence France-Muséums, which produced this exhibition.