Abu Dhabi: Louvre Abu Dhabi has revealed a special installation featuring a replica of the iconic Tintin Moon Rocket in account of art and space exploration. The replica, which recently journeyed into space aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Zayed Ambition 2 mission, is now on display alongside a larger version of the famous rocket.
This unique piece was loaned by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris and forms part of the museum’s exhibition, Picturing the Cosmos, now open to the public.
The installation was unveiled in the presence of astronaut H.E. Dr. Sultan AlNeyadi, who took the Tintin replica with him to space, alongside key figures such as Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Florence Bertin, Head of Collection Department at the Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris. Representatives from the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) were also in attendance.
This collaborative effort between Louvre Abu Dhabi and MBRSC symbolises the connection between imagination, fiction, and real-world space exploration. Tintin’s Moon Rocket, originally featured in the 1950s comic series, Explorers on the Moon, was created nearly two decades before humanity’s first moon landing. The iconic rocket has long been a symbol of visionary ambition and the dream of conquering the cosmos, inspiring generations of readers and space enthusiasts alike.
The replica that traveled aboard the ISS represents not only the pioneering achievements of modern space missions but also highlights the bridge between science fiction and reality. The exhibition invites visitors to explore humanity’s age-old fascination with the stars and space, offering a glance into the connection between art, culture, and scientific discovery.
The Picturing the Cosmos exhibition is open throughout September at Louvre Abu Dhabi, along with its Children’s Museum. Visitors are encouraged to experience these extraordinary objects firsthand and delve into the remarkable history of space exploration.