#Saudi Arabia #Jeddah #Islamic Arts #Biennale 2025

2025 Islamic Arts Biennale Opens to Public in Jeddah

The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale, entitled And All That Is In Between, officially opened its doors to the public in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 27, 2025. The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Rakan Bin Ibrahim Al-Touq, the Deputy Minister of Culture. This biennial exhibition is a pioneering effort, being the first of its kind dedicated solely to the arts of Islamic civilization, highlighting the contemporary relevance of Islamic art while integrating historical artifacts.

This year’s theme draws attention to the intersections between different cultures and traditions, showcasing over 500 artworks in a sprawling 100,000 square meter exhibition space. The event brings together a remarkable collection borrowed from over 30 prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Vatican Apostolic Library in Vatican City, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Collections from key Islamic cultural institutions, such as the Ahmed Baba Institute in Timbuktu and the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, further enrich the exhibition.

The biennale features an impressive display of artworks and artifacts alongside contemporary pieces created by more than 30 artists from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, and beyond. It is noteworthy for hosting the first-ever exhibition of the entire Kiswah, the black silk cloth that covers the Kaaba, outside of Mecca, providing a profound spiritual significance to the event.

Curated by a talented team including Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, with the participation of Saudi artist Muhannad Shono as the contemporary art curator, the biennale invites attendees to explore how faith is expressed through art, thought, and emotion. This dynamic interplay between historical relics and modern interpretations creates a vivid dialogue across different eras and cultures, fostering a deeper understanding of Islamic art.

Located at the West Terminal of the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the venue holds considerable historical importance, resonating with the journeys of millions of pilgrims who travel each year for Hajj and Umrah. This setting enhances the cultural exchange and promotes the significance of Islamic heritage, making it an ideal location for such a monumental event.

Visitors to the Islamic Arts Biennale will have the opportunity to explore this rich tapestry of art until May 25, 2025. With its innovative approach and impressive displays, the biennale is poised to become a significant cultural landmark, celebrating the myriad forms of artistic expression within the Islamic world and fostering connections between different cultures across the globe.

Bringing together diverse narratives and artistic styles, the event underscores the ongoing relevance and evolution of Islamic art, making it not just an exhibition, but a vibrant cultural experience that invites contemplation and dialogue.