Installation view of the AlMukarramah Pavilion. Ahmed Mater, Magnetism (2009), front; Curtain (sitarah) for the Hujrah screen Istanbul, Türkiye (AH 1278/1861 CE), back.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a culture seeker, or simply curious, the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale offers an awe-inspiring window to global creativity – spanning centuries, style and media – informed by the spirituality of the Muslim world. Here, history and modernity come together to celebrate the philosophies and teachings that are the foundations of Islam.
What is the Islamic Arts Biennale?
The Islamic Arts Biennale is a global platform for exploring the vast spectrum of Islamic art and culture, past and present. Organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, it juxtaposes historic artefacts with cutting-edge contemporary works, reflecting the enduring influence and evolution of Islamic creativity. The second edition builds on its inaugural success, featuring over 500 objects and artworks (including never-before-seen and specially commissioned pieces).
What are the dates of the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale?
Set in the iconic SOM-designed canopy of the Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 runs from January 25 to May 25. A symbolic location for millions of pilgrims, the venue holds deep spiritual significance as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.
What is the 2025 theme?
The 2025 edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale is titled And All That Is In Between, inspired by a recurring verse in the Quran: “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.” This theme invites audiences to delve into the profound interplay of faith, creation, and human expression through feeling, thinking, and making.
After the success of their first collaboration in 2023, Dutch design firm OMA (which recently unveiled its futuristic reinvention of The Gallery of the Kings at the Egyptian Museum in Turin) has crafted an innovative scenography for this edition, too. Their design employs abstract forms and translucent materials to harmonise the display of historical artefacts and contemporary artworks.
AD Middle East | Mona Basharat