From all the information about the Louvre Abu Dhabi, one important aspect is missing, namely the (preliminary) catalogue of the objects which are meant to move to Abu Dhabi. This inventory is of importance because it addresses the issues that are discussed around the topic. For instance, it would clarify the uncertainties about displaying nudity and human figures, and it will also deal with the issue about the mediocrity of the future collection of the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, it is definitely interesting to see that the Louvre does not, in any way, mention this new project on their website. Although the opinion of the Louvre’s director Henri Loyrette is noted in many articles, it would be of great value to have an official statement from the Louvre about the current affairs. Especially their comments on the raised ethical issues would be interesting.
Although it is not very objective, the website of the opponents of the Louvre Abu Dhabi can be a useful source for writings on the topic, since it contains mainly articles which discuss the political and ethical questions concerning the national heritage of France. Furthermore, it would be interesting to link these statements with the official ICOM’s Code of Ethics.
Although much is said about the project of the Louvre Abu Dhabi on the internet, most of the articles discuss only the basics of this topic. It would be interesting to read some sort of objective summary about the project, thereby focussing on the ethical questions which are raised and the discussions going on about this. One of the website on which this discussion forum could be held is the site of the French Ministry of Culture. Since they made the deal with Abu Dhabi, it should be fair to the French public to explain their choices and to keep them up-to-date. Although the French government received a lot of negative comments about this case, it is important to keep the discussion going about cultural issues such as this. Maybe that way the government can regain some from what is left from the public’s trust.