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Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendor

Travelling Exhibition

21 November 2025 - 11 October 2026

World Art Gallery of the National Museum of Korea, Seoul

This exhibition offers a journey through centuries of Islamic art, revealing the richness and diversity of a civilisation shaped by exchange, innovation, and shared human values.

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Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendor presents 85 masterworks drawn from the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha. The exhibition aims to introduce Korean audiences to the richness, diversity, and interconnectedness of Islamic civilisation across 1,400 years and a vast geography spanning Spain to Southeast Asia.

The exhibition frames Islamic civilisation not as a monolithic entity but as a dynamic, multicultural, and exchange-driven world, shaped by encounters across continents, religions, and cultures. Its goal is to build cultural understanding, highlight shared human values, and show how Islamic art emerged from the interplay of religion, trade, science, and courtly life.

Exhibition Highlights

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Dish with a Leopard in a Garden. Iznik, Turkey, circa 1600–1610 CE. Fritware, underglaze-painted in cobalt blue, green, red, and black. Inventory number: PO.124.1999. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Samar Kassab.

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Planispheric Astrolabe. Signed Abu Ja’far Ahmad bin Husayn bin Baso. Spain, Granada. Nasrid period, dated 709 AH (1309-1310 CE) Cast brass with engravings and inlay. 13.5cm (diameter). MW.342.2007. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Marc Pelletreau.

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Voided Silk Velvet and Metal-Thread Figural Panel. Persia (Iran), Safavid period, early 17th century CE. Silk, metal thread, bouclé. 74×107cm. TE.204.2010. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Chrysovalantis Lamprianidis.

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Clark Sickle-Leaf Throne Carpet. Iran (Kerman), Safavid period, 17th century CE. Wool, cotton, silk. MIA.2013.194. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Samar Kassab.

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Qurʾan Folio. North Africa or Near East. Abbasid period, 9th century. Ink and gold on parchment. 23.4x32cm. MS.705.2004. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums.

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Mosque Lamp. Egypt, Cairo, Mamluk period, late 14th–early 15th century Enamelled and Gilded Glass. 29cm (height) and 37cm (diameter). GL.53.2002. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Chrysovalantis Lamprianidis.

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Pair of Carved Wooden Doors or Shutters. Turkey (Konya), Seljuk period, 13th century Carved wood. 165x115x4.8cm. WW.56.2003. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Samar Kassab.

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Burzuy Presents Kalila wa Dimna to King Nushirvan. Two Folios from the Shāhnāma of Shah Tahmasp Iran, Tabriz, Safavid dynasty, c. 1525–1540 CE. Ink, opaque watercolor, and gold on paper. MS.7.2006. © The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha/Qatar Museums. Photo by Chrysovalantis Lamprianidis.

Explore MIA's Treasures of Islamic Art

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Treasures of Islamic Art

Watch the Treasures of Islamic Art – a four-part series highlighting rare and unique objects from the collections at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA).
Picture of “Burzuy Presents 'Kalilah wa Dimnah' to King Nushirvan” of Shahnameh of Shah Tahmasp at the Museum of Islamic Art

Collection Highlight: The Shahnameh

This 16th-century manuscript was commissioned by a Persian ruler, as a status symbol and political statement.
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Collection Highlight: An Illuminating Egyptian Treasure

Discover the story behind this masterpiece of medieval glasswork in the collection of the Museum of Islamic Art.
Golden astrolabe

Collection Highlight: The Astrolabe Journey

Take a closer look at this exceptional astrolabe, one of many highlights that represents the evolution of art and technology.