Reviving Cultural Heritage: Alwaleed Philanthropies ‘Global’ Supports Renovation of the Museum of Islamic Art in Berlin
Highlights
Location
Berlin, Germany
Project Duration
2017–2028
Total Beneficiaries
On-site visitors: 5,135,000 (including 19,000 refugees).
Direct Beneficiaries: 700,000
In partnership with
A Visionary Partnership
The partnership between Alwaleed Philanthropies – Global and The Museum for Islamic Art in Berlin reflects a shared commitment to promoting intercultural dialogue and celebrating the richness of Islamic art and culture. With an emphasis on public engagement and the integration of technology, the initiative seeks to foster greater understanding, cultural participation, and social empowerment—both locally and globally.
Project Highlights
Renovation and Expansion
A cornerstone of the project is the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the Museum. The ongoing upgrades aim to enhance the overall visitor experience, while plans for a new permanent exhibition—set to launch in 2027—are underway. The expanded space will feature a more extensive display of Islamic art, with over 1,100 objects curated to reflect the diversity and depth of Islamic heritage.
Public Engagement
The Museum places strong emphasis on connecting communities with Islamic art through accessible and inclusive programming:
- Educational initiatives in schools and social forums aim to bring Islamic art into everyday learning spaces.
- The Multaka Project has become a hallmark of the museum’s social inclusion efforts, employing refugees as guides to lead cultural tours and workshops. This initiative promotes mutual understanding and empowers new Arab communities in Berlin.
Art for All Platform: Islamic-art.com
In recognition of the power of digital engagement, the project launched Islamic-art.com—a trilingual (English, Arabic, German) online platform designed to democratize access to Islamic art. Key features include:
- Interactive storytelling tools.
- E-learning modules for teachers and students.
- A comprehensive teachers' kit.
- 360° virtual experiences.
- Multimedia content on Islamic music, architecture, and more.
With over 1.5 million visitors to date, the platform continues to serve as a global gateway to Islamic art and culture.
Achievements in 2024
Museum for Islamic Art
- Continued renovation and expansion, including:
- Ongoing construction and object restoration for the new permanent exhibition (opening in 2027).
- Implementation of accessibility features, such as pathways designed for the visually impaired and multisensory experiences.
- Sustained public engagement through educational outreach in schools and community forums.
- The Multaka Project again engaged +1,500 participants through interactive tours and workshops.
Art for All Platform (Islamic-art.com)
- Recorded 76,000 online visitors in 2024, demonstrating continued digital engagement.
Success Stories
Building on Success and Ensuring Long-Term Impact
The Multakah Project in Berlin has successfully empowered refugees to become cultural ambassadors, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. By sharing their cultural heritage through tours and storytelling, these ambassadors have enriched understanding and created connections between communities. Recent achievements, such as expanding tours in different languages, highlight the project's success and its potential for long-term impact. By demonstrating the positive outcomes of immigration and promoting cultural exchange, the Multakah Project is shaping a more inclusive and harmonious society in Berlin.
