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For all upcoming public programmes, see What’s On.
Art and Calligraphy Workshops
Observations and Painting
Kindergarten to Grade 3
Workshops for Schools
We offer a variety of art and calligraphy workshops in Arabic and English for students of all ages.
Young artists will be introduced to Islamic Art and its artefacts through a tour of the galleries. They will learn about different objects via show and tell. First, they observe, outline and draw the objects using a colour scheme inspired by the objects, and then tell their story.
Geometry Patterns in Islamic Art
Primary to Secondary School (Grades 1 to 12)
Students will be introduced to patterns and designs in Islamic art through a brief tour in the galleries. They will learn the basics of geometry using a simple template, produce a geometric design by constructing, tracing and repeating a geometric shape and finally paint their pattern using a colour scheme inspired by the Museum of Islamic Art’s collection. Finally, they will construct it by cutting around the lines and glue them to create a 2D to 3D construction.
Sketch in the Galleries
Primary to Secondary School (Grades 4 to 12)
Students will learn the basics of drawing and outlining from observation in MIA galleries. Each student will choose one to two objects to learn about and then produce their artwork by drawing with a pencil and adding details by using light and shadow techniques. The workshop gets complex as we proceed higher with the age groups.
Suzannes in Bloom
Primary to Secondary School (Grades 1 to 12)
Students will learn how floral motifes are inspired by Suzanne embroidery (traditional textile art from Central Asia) in literary works through a tour of the exhibition and studio work. We will explore decorative motifs found in Islamic manuscripts, and produce a painting inspired by the decorated work.
Blooms in Islamic Art
Primary to Secondary School (Grades 1 – 12)
Students will learn how floral patterns, such as Mughal and Turkish motifs, are inspired in literary works through a tour of the permanent galleries and studio work. We will explore decorative motifs found in Islamic manuscripts, and produce a painting inspired by the decorated work.
Kufic Script or Square Kufic
Primary to Secondary School (Grades 1 – 12)
Arabic calligraphy is one of the most important Islamic arts. Students should gain theoretical knowledge as well as practical experience using traditional tools. Kufic, one of the easiest Arabic calligraphy scripts is suitable for school students. It was also the first script used in writing the Holy Qur’an.
Explore our 2026 – 2027 offerings, which include general and specialised guided tours, art and calligraphy workshops, academic programmes, library activities and more.
