Reviving Cultural Heritage: Alwaleed Philanthropies ‘Global’ Supports Renovation of the Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin

The partnership between Alwaleed Philanthropies ‘Global’ and The Museum for Islamic Art has brought the rich heritage of Islamic art and culture to the public in Berlin. With a focus on public engagement and the use of technology, the project aims to foster understanding and appreciation for Islamic arts while promoting cultural participation and empowerment. As the project progresses, significant accomplishments have already been achieved, marking a promising future for the Museum of Islamic Art.

One of the primary goals of the project is the renovation and expansion of The Museum of Islamic Art. The current exhibition is being upgraded to enhance the visitor experience. Furthermore, plans are underway for the construction of a future permanent exhibition, set to open its doors in 2027. This expansion will provide a larger space for showcasing Islamic art and accommodate an extensive collection of over 1,100 objects.

The project places great emphasis on engaging the public with Islamic art and culture. To achieve this, various initiatives have been implemented. Public education programs have been introduced in schools and other social forums, ensuring that a wider audience gains knowledge about Islamic art. Additionally, the Multaka Project has made a significant impact by recruiting refugees as guides, facilitating cultural participation and empowerment of Arab newcomers.

Recognizing the potential of the digital realm, the project has launched www.Islamic-art.com, an online platform that offers a comprehensive presentation of the museum's projects and activities. The platform is available in English, Arabic, and German, catering to diverse audiences. It incorporates storytelling tools, e-learning modules, a teachers' kit, 360° experiences, and content on music and architecture. Islamic-art.com aims to make Islamic art accessible to all, regardless of geographical constraints.

The Islamic Art online website https://islamic-art.smb.museum/?lang=en continues its mission to distribute access to Islamic art and culture through an innovative digital platform. The platform’s e-learning initiative led to the development of teaching modules specifically designed for both educators and students, enabling a thorough and engaging exploration of Islamic art education. Furthermore, the introduction of four new 360°-tours of art objects and galleries provides immersive experiences for online visitors, allowing them to explore Islamic art from diverse perspectives. The platform's media library, enriched with a variety of audio, video, and digital publications, serves as a comprehensive resource hub for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Testament to its impact, https://islamic-art.smb.museum/?lang=en welcomed over 1.5 million online visitors, demonstrating the platform's effectiveness in disseminating knowledge and fostering appreciation for Islamic art on a global scale.

1. Museum for Islamic Art:

The year 2023 witnessed remarkable progress at the Museum for Islamic Art, highlighted by the renovation and expansion endeavors. The official closure of the previously funded gallery expansion project drew an impressive 735,000 on-site visitors, marking a significant milestone in enhancing the museum's capacity. Simultaneously, construction commenced on the future permanent exhibition of the Museum of Islamic Art, set to unveil its treasures to the public in 2027. Furthermore, the museum's commitment to public engagement with Islamic art and culture was exemplified through various initiatives. These included educational outreach programs conducted in schools and other social forums, providing enriching experiences for diverse audiences. Additionally, the Multaka Project, designed to foster community engagement, successfully reached out to more than 1,500 participants through guided tours and workshops. The museum's dedication to preserving and showcasing Islamic art was further underscored by the introduction of 34 new contemporary art works and the meticulous restoration of 50 historical works of art.

2. Art for All Platform (www.Islamic-art.com):

The Art for All Platform,www.Islamic-art.com, continued its mission to democratize access to Islamic art and culture through innovative digital platforms. The platform's e-learning initiative saw the publication of teaching modules tailored for both educators and students, facilitating comprehensive engagement with Islamic art education. Furthermore, the introduction of two new 360° tours of art objects and galleries provided immersive experiences for online visitors, allowing them to explore Islamic art from diverse perspectives. The platform's media library, enriched with five audio, video, and digital publications, served as a comprehensive resource hub for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Testament to its impact, Islamic-art.com welcomed over 1.5 million online visitors, demonstrating the platform's effectiveness in disseminating knowledge and fostering appreciation for Islamic art on a global scale.

The Islamic Art Museum in Berlin showcases a bright future with an innovative collaboration aimed at attracting the public and enhancing cultural understanding. This collaboration aims to renew and expand the museum, providing an enhanced visitor experience with exciting interactive opportunities for engaging with Islamic art