Givaudan joins forces with Louvre Abu Dhabi for olfactory exhibit

UAE – Givaudan has partnered with Louvre Abu Dhabi to elevate scent as a cultural art form through an innovative initiative called “Art in Scents.” 

This collaboration introduces a multisensory guided tour that enriches visitors’ experience of art by integrating bespoke fragrances designed to evoke the mood, setting, and story of selected artworks from the museum’s permanent collection.

The project was developed by Givaudan’s master perfumers, Dalia Izem and Gaël Montero, who translated visual art into olfactory form, drawing inspiration from history, materiality, and atmosphere. 

One highlight of the collaboration is the creation of a signature scent named “Universal Breeze,” inspired by the museum’s architecture and surroundings, combining marine, musk, incense, and amber accords to reflect the spirit of Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Gilles Andrier, CEO of Givaudan, stated, “We are honoured to establish this partnership with Louvre Abu Dhabi. This collaboration reflects Givaudan’s leadership in creating meaningful experiences for the senses.”

“By uniting two powerful mediums, we offer a new way to engage with culture to visitors, while demonstrating our continued commitment to innovation and excellence.”

According to the companies, visitors to the museum receive a booklet with microencapsulated pages that release unique fragrances linked to nine artworks, allowing them to “step into the artwork” through a sensory dimension beyond the visual.

This olfactory journey spans diverse cultural and historical themes, from the fragrant environments of ancient Egypt to the spices of Arabia and the essence of modern Japan. 

The initiative is designed to deepen the cultural dialogue and emotional engagement of visitors, making art an immersive experience that transcends language and background.

This partnership reflects Givaudan’s ongoing commitment to innovation, creativity, and the sensory arts, showcasing olfactive creation as a profound mode of cultural expression.

Meanwhile Givaudan recently inaugurated its new White Biotechnology Innovation Centre (BIC) in Toulouse, France, marking a significant step in advancing high-precision beauty ingredient development. 

This cutting-edge facility is designed to enhance Givaudan’s Active Beauty business by accelerating research and development and enabling the creation of innovative, sustainable cosmetic ingredients that address evolving consumer demands.

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