MANUEL RABATÉ TO LEAD KNMA’S LANDMARK EXPANSION

Manuel Rabaté has been appointed CEO and Director of the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA), which is set to open a new one‑million‑square‑foot venue near Delhi International Airport. Designed by Adjaye Associates, the centre will become South Asia’s largest art and cultural hub, redefining India’s museum landscape.  

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art has announced a major leadership appointment as it prepares for its most ambitious chapter yet. Manuel Rabaté, who spent two decades shaping Louvre Abu Dhabi into a global cultural icon, has been named CEO and Director of KNMA. His arrival coincides with the development of a new one‑million‑square‑foot venue that, upon opening, will stand as South Asia’s largest art and cultural centre.  

The new KNMA site, located close to Delhi International Airport, is being designed by Adjaye Associates. Its architectural vision echoes the interplay of light and space that defined Louvre Abu Dhabi, promising to transform how audiences in India experience art. The project is expected to become a landmark destination, blending international standards with India’s rich cultural heritage.  

Rabaté’s appointment has been hailed as a significant step by KNMA’s founders and patrons—Kiran Nadar, Shiv Nadar, and Roshni Nadar Malhotra of HCL Tech—who have consistently advanced their family’s philanthropic commitment to the arts. His proven ability to deliver large‑scale cultural projects and his creative vision are seen as vital assets in bringing the museum’s ambitious plans to life.  

For Rabaté, the move marks both a professional and personal adventure. His leadership at Louvre Abu Dhabi demonstrated how architecture and curatorial innovation can reshape perceptions of art, and his new role at KNMA offers the opportunity to extend that philosophy to India’s cultural landscape. The appointment also carries symbolic resonance, with Rabaté returning to his hometown roots while stepping into a role that will influence the region’s artistic future.  

As KNMA embarks on this transformative journey, the appointment underscores India’s growing prominence in the global art world. With Rabaté at the helm, the museum is poised to become not only a national institution but also a beacon of cultural exchange across South Asia.