Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean

Nanban workshop, Portuguese Merchants Come to Trade, ca. 1600-1625, Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Spices and Wonders: Sailing the Indian Ocean follows 1,000 years of maritime history and culture, charting the routes that connected the civilisations of Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Crossing these vast waters demanded knowledge, skill, and courage. The exhibition documents the evolution of navigation and the techniques that enabled fearless and adventurous sailors to explore the unknown, guided only by the stars. It also tells of journeys that ended in shipwreck and the treasures carried by vessels.

As people travelled, so did spices, ideas, and cultures, with every encounter bringing new possibilities and opportunities for connection. Through the objects and stories carried across these historic sea routes, Spices and Wonders brings to life a world in motion, where every journey opened the way to new encounters and discoveries.