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Islamic Arts Biennale 2025

January 25 @ 8:00 am - May 25 @ 5:00 pm

An Immersive Exploration of Islamic Art and Culture

The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 offers a comprehensive platform for new dialogues on Islamic arts, providing an unparalleled space for learning, research, and artistic discovery. By presenting contemporary and newly commissioned artworks alongside historical objects from Islamic cultures, the Biennale delves into the ways faith is felt, expressed, and celebrated. It serves as a unique stage for artists to explore themes of spirituality, identity, and the convergence of past and present, fostering cross-cultural connections and broadening global appreciation for Islamic art and heritage.


And All That Is In Between: The Second Edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale

“Exploring Faith Through Feeling, Thinking, and Making”

The theme “And All That Is In Between” is inspired by a recurring Quranic phrase:
“And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.”

This verse reflects the vastness of divine creation as experienced by humankind. The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale draws from this concept, offering a profound reflection on how faith is lived, practiced, and visually represented.

Spanning five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces, the Biennale showcases:

  • Over 500 historical objects and contemporary artworks.
  • Contributions from renowned institutions worldwide, highlighting the historical richness and dynamic evolution of Islamic arts.

This second edition of the Biennale expands significantly, cementing its role as a global hub for Islamic art. Institutions participating in the exhibition range from Tunis to Tashkent and Timbuktu to Yogyakarta, featuring invaluable collections from:

  • Louvre Museum (Paris)
  • Victoria and Albert Museum (London)
  • Museum of Islamic Art (Doha)
  • Ahmed Baba Institute (Timbuktu)
  • Süleymaniye Library (Istanbul)
  • King Fahad National Library (Riyadh)
  • Ithra (Dhahran)

A rare highlight of the Biennale is the display of sacred objects from the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah, offering visitors a deeply spiritual connection to Islamic heritage.


The Curatorial Team

The Biennale’s curators bring expertise from diverse backgrounds, ensuring a thought-provoking exhibition:

  • Dr. Julian Raby – Artistic Director
  • Dr. Amin Jaffer – Artistic Director
  • Abdul Rahman Azzam – Artistic Director
  • Muhannad Shono – Contemporary Art Curator

Curatorial Framework

The Biennale is structured into seven unique components, each providing a distinct exploration of Islamic arts:

  1. AlBidayah
  2. AlMadar
  3. AlMuqtani
  4. AlMidhallah
  5. AlMukarramah & AlMunawwarah
  6. AlMusalla

These components span across 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space, offering an immersive experience for visitors.


The Artists

New Commissions & Global Representation

The Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 features newly commissioned works from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia, the Arab world, and beyond. These commissions showcase the Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s dedication to:

  • Elevating Saudi artists on an international stage.
  • Encouraging global artists to engage with Saudi audiences.
  • Introducing diverse artistic perspectives to contemporary Islamic art.

The AlMusalla Prize

The AlMusalla Prize is an international architecture competition dedicated to designing a Musalla—a sacred space for prayer and contemplation at the Islamic Arts Biennale.

Winning Proposal: “On Weaving”

The 2025 inaugural AlMusalla Prize was awarded to EAST ARCHITECTURE STUDIO, in collaboration with:

  • AKT II
  • Rayyane Tabet
  • Sweco

Inspired by the book On Weaving by textile artist Anni Albers, the winning design:

  • Reflects traditional craft techniques in an innovative way.
  • Emphasizes modularity, sustainability, and reusability beyond the Biennale.
  • Utilizes Saudi Arabia’s date palm fibers, repurposing local materials for an eco-friendly structure.
  • Features a loom-inspired design, symbolizing both function and ornamentation.

With its open courtyard, the Musalla invites visitors to pray, reflect, and gather, creating a dynamic space that blends Islamic heritage with contemporary architectural innovation.


Venue & Visitor Information

Western Hajj Terminal – Jeddah

📍 Location: c

🗓️ Event Dates: 25 January – 25 May 2025

Facilities:
✔ Free Parking
✔ Free Wi-Fi
✔ Wheelchair Accessible
✔ Family-Friendly

Details

Start:
January 25 @ 8:00 am
End:
May 25 @ 5:00 pm

Organizer

Diriyah Biennale Foundation

Venue

Western Hajj Terminal
Haj Parking A, Hajj Terminal West, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah 23721
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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