8 Must-Visit Islamic Art Collections You Didn't Know Existed

With its mesmerising designs and rich history, Islamic art is a vital part of global cultural heritage. Its diverse expressions, from elaborate tilework to intricate calligraphy reflect the depth and diversity of Islamic civilization.

Whether you want to learn about Islamic culture or want to appreciate its art traditions, here are the eight must-visit Islamic art collections around the world.

Without further ado, let’s get right into it.

Also read: Top 8 Muslim Destinations to Discover Islamic History

Top Islamic Art Collections in the World You Have to See At Least Once

1. The Islamic Art Museum, Cairo, Egypt

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Cairo's Islamic Art Museum is a treasure trove of information and will leave you fascinated by Islamic art and history. This museum, located in the very center of Cairo, is home to an extensive collection of Islamic art.

The museum contains pieces from all around, especially from India to Spain. From innovative textiles and ceramics to a variety of historical manuscripts, the museum also highlights an intricately designed Fatimid mihrab.

Its broad collection takes you through the evolution and growth of Islamic arts and culture. It's a must-see for everyone who wants to grasp the richness and breadth of Islamic creative traditions.

Notable Pieces:

• Fatimid Mihrab

• Mamluk Glassware

• Ottoman Qur’an Manuscripts

2. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

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One of the biggest collections of Islamic art in America is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It showcases works of art from South Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and Spain in the Met's American Wing.

Exquisite metalwork, intricate ceramics, and stunning textiles are all part of the collection. Artworks on display at the museum pay tribute to the creative endeavors of numerous Islamic dynasties, such as the Mughals, the Ottomans, and the Safavids.

The Met offers an extensive overview of how Islamic art has influenced creative practices around the world. Anyone interested in how Islamic art has both contributed to and been affected by other civilizations must make a point of visiting this site.

Notable Pieces:

• Mamluk Textile

• Persian Miniature Paintings

• Ottoman Silver Plate

3. The British Museum, London

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One of the most notable collections of Islamic art resides at London's British Museum which dates back more than a thousand years. The variety and high quality of the museum's collection have gained global recognition.

The Islamic Golden Age artifacts on display at the museum highlight the incredible scientific and creative achievements of that time.

People can look at the beautiful pictures and intricate designs in Islamic manuscripts and historical artifacts. To fully appreciate Islamic art's cultural and historical relevance, one must visit the British Museum.

Notable Pieces:

• The Bactrian Gold

• Kufic Manuscripts

• Alhambra Tiles

4. The Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Image credit (L-R): Museum of Islamic Art Doha | Official Instagram Account

Located in Doha, the Museum of Islamic Art is a stunning example of modern architecture that protects an extensive and varied Islamic art collection. The museum building is an architectural marvel by the late I. M. Pei.

The art in the museum's collection spans more than 1,400 years of Islamic history and comes from three different continents. Exquisite textiles, rare manuscripts, and elaborate metalwork are among the highlights.

Numerous educational programs and exhibitions are also available at the Museum of Islamic Art which makes it a great spot to learn about the background and worldwide impact of Islamic art.

Notable Pieces:

• Umayyad Glass Bottle

• Timurid Manuscripts

• Ottoman Imperial Kiosk

5. The Louvre Museum, Paris

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An important and very symbolic collection of Islamic art can be found at the Louvre Museum in Paris which is housed in the the vast decorative arts department of the museum.

The Islamic art collection at the Louvre includes exquisite textiles, manuscripts, and ceramics. Delicate Persian miniatures and elaborate tiles from Al-Andalus are the two notable pieces.

Going to the Louvre gives you the chance to view Islamic art from a larger perspective of global art history. Going there is a fascinating experience for people who are interested in how different cultures and art traditions meet.

Notable Pieces:

• Al-Andalus Ceramics

• Persian Carpets

• Ottoman Calligraphy Panel

6. The Victoria and Albert Museum, London

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The Islamic decorative arts collection at London's Victoria and Albert Museum is truly remarkable. From the early Islamic era up to the present day, the museum has artifacts from each period of Islamic history.

Stunning ceramics, textiles, and metalwork are all part of the collection including the textiles with intricate embroidery, and the metal objects from the Islamic world.

You can learn a lot about Islamic art's aesthetic principles and craftsmanship from the pieces in the V&A Museum's collection. For anyone interested in the artistic and technical accomplishments of Islamic craftspeople, this is an excellent resource.

Notable Pieces:

• Mughal Textiles

• Safavid Metalwork

• Ottoman Jewelry

7. The National Museum of Iran, Tehran

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Reflecting Iran's illustrious cultural history, the National Museum of Iran in Tehran showcases a vast assortment of Islamic art. Artifacts from every phase of Islamic history are exhibited at the museum.

Iranian metalwork, manuscripts, and ceramics as well as art and its influence on the Islamic world can be seen in the museum's collection.

A visit to Iran's National Museum will give you a bird's-eye perspective of Persian art and its role in Islam. Anyone interested in Iranian cultural history must visit this place.

Notable Pieces:

• Persian Ceramics

• Safavid Manuscripts

• Seljuk Metalwork

8. The Museum of Islamic Art, Istanbul

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Located in the heart of Turkey, Historic Ibrahim Pasha Palace now serves as Istanbul's Museum of Islamic Art. Objects from the early Islamic, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras are housed in the collection.

Stunning textiles, metalwork, and calligraphy are among the highlights. The museum provides an in-depth examination of Islamic art, particularly that of the Ottoman Empire and Turkey.

You can learn about the rich artistic traditions of the Islamic world at the Istanbul Museum of Islamic Art. People interested in the historical and cultural background of Islamic art must visit this museum once in their lifetime.

Notable Pieces:

• Ottoman Calligraphy

• Seljuk Tiles

• Mamluk Rugs

Conclusion

These are some of the Must-Visit Islamic Art Collections in the World to learn about the rich and varied artistic history of Islam. Each museum gives a different view of how Islamic art has changed over time and how it has affected people around the world.

If you are interested in art, history, or both, you must visit these places to fully grasp the richness and beauty of Islamic creative traditions.