From contemporary art to Islamic gardens, here are the latest exhibitions.
London is home to arts and culture from around the world, including the Middle East. Whether you’re after commercial galleries or blockbuster exhibitions, here are the best Arabic art galleries in London.
Aga Khan Centre
Located in Kings Cross, Aga Khan Centre explores Islamic art and is a place to gain insight and cultural knowledge about Muslims from around the world. The most notable feature of the site are the Islamic Gardens. There are six different gardens, each representing the different cultures of Muslims worldwide. It also draws inspiration from the four Gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Qur’an. The gallery focuses on interpreting the connection between Islamic culture’s past and present. Plus, it hosts events and exhibitions circulating around Islamic studies. Tours of the Centre are available to book online.
Go: Visit www.mathafgallery.com for more information.
Arab British Centre
Launched in 2008, the Arab British Centre is home to a collection of permanent artworks. The work was donated to the centre by the Offscreen Education Program and includes pieces from the acclaimed Edge of Arabia exhibition by Saudi Arabian artists. The centre aims to promote artists, filmmakers, and photographers and those inspired by Arab culture. It also organises artistic events and brings communities together through an arts and cultural exchange. Located on Gough Square, bookings are available online.
Go: Visit www.arabbritishcentre.org.uk for more information.
Mathaf Gallery
Mathaf Gallery is located in Knightsbridge, just a few steps from Harrods. The name translates to “museum,” and the gallery specialises in 19th-century oriental and Arabic art. It has gained a reputation since the 1970s and has a selection of contemporary art collections. Explore the paintings created by modern artists. The art on their canvases reflects different aspects and histories of Arab culture. Viewings can be booked online.
Go: Visit www.mathafgallery.com for more information.
P21 Gallery
P21 Gallery in Euston provides visibility to several underrated Arab artists. It has created a space to increase awareness and boost communication between Arab artists and the global art community. The gallery also runs multiple events, such as gallery talks, performances, workshops, films, and book readings. Check out the workshops on the Arab world. The themes cover politics and society and are communicated through modern art.
Go: Visit https://p21.gallery for more information.
The British Museum
Located in Great Russell Square, The British Museum is the place to visit and gain an insight into different cultures and their peculiarity. In Rooms 42-43, a selection of exquisite pieces from The Albukhary Foundation Gallery represent Islamic heritage. Look out for collections from different eras of Islam, including the seventh century, and from various regions of West Africa and Southeast Asia. Pieces range from archaeological finds to royal paintings. Tours and talks are available.
Go: Visit https://islamicworld.britishmuseum.org for more information.
The Mosaic Rooms
Mosaic Rooms in Kensington showcases contemporary Arabic art. The gallery is dedicated to supporting contemporary art in the Arab world. Founded in 2009, it is a project of the A.M Qattan Foundation and advocates for creative talent that is often overlooked or misrepresented. The gallery focuses on the voices from Palestine. Plus, it is located on Cromwell Road near major museums and galleries.
Go: Visit https://mosaicrooms.org for more information.
The Park Gallery
The Park Gallery is a great place to visit to discover Middle Eastern orientalist art of the 19th century. It showcases exhibitions throughout the year, not only in London but at international art fairs and exhibitions. Founded in 1992 and located in Paddington, it also deals with British artists from the 18th and early 19th centuries, as well as contemporary art. The gallery acquires Middle Eastern art collections by travelling to various Arab countries, including Morocco, Türkiye, Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar, which helps them gain a better understanding of the market around contemporary art. They meet with experts like artists and art collectors, curators. Viewings are open by appointment only.
Go: Visit https://theparkgallery.com for more information.
Victoria & Albert Museum
One of the leading museums of art, fashion and culture, the V&A has art collections of over 2.3 million pieces. Located at the corner of Exhibition Road in South Kensington, it was first launched in 1825. Mohammed Abdul Lateef Jameel was part of a project that supported the creation of unique art collections. The Jameel Gallery includes Islamic art from the 8th and 9th centuries. In 2009, they founded The Jameel Prize in collaboration with Art Jameel, and contemporary artists are awarded the prize for their work. The prize raises awareness about the legacy of Islamic culture.
Go: Visit https://artjameel.org/collaboration/v-and-a/ for more information.
