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Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

Furusiyya: The Art of Chivalry between East and West

Furusiyya in the East meets Chivalry in the West. Discover how these distinct practices of combat and knightly values led to a specific culture in the Islamic East and the largely Christian West.

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 centuries, 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. 

Organised by Louvre Abu Dhabi, Musée de Cluny – Musée national du Moyen Âge and Agence France Muséums. Curated by Elisabeth Taburet-Delahaye, Director, Musée de Cluny – Musée national du Moyen Âge; Carine Juvin, Curator, Department of Islamic Art, Musée du Louvre and Michel Huynh, Head Curator, Musée de Cluny – Musée national du Moyen Âge.

Admission is included with your museum general admission ticket. 
Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Club Members visit for free.

360° Experience

LISTEN TO THE STORIES OF ARTWORKS

Young Visitor's Guide

Do you know what it takes to become a knight? Join our knights from the East and the West on a journey to learn about values, skills and tools to join the League of Furusiyya. Use our engaging and interactive young visitors’ guide to navigate your way through this journey from home.

Young Visitor's Guide

Explore Louvre Abu Dhabi art works at home!

Make and Play are short, fun videos for all the family to make art inspired by the collection using simple materials.

Share your designs online.
Tag us @LouvreAbuDhabi
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Make a Helmet
Create your own heroic helmet
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Make a Horse
Create your own shadow puppet horse inspired by Furusiyya exhibition
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E Catalogue

Furusiyya
The Art of Chivalry between East and West

Furusiyya
The Art of Chivalry between East and West
Discover

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