The National Museum of Korea is preparing to open its first permanent gallery dedicated to Islamic art. This marks an important moment for the museum as it expands its effort to represent global cultures and history.
The new Islamic Art Gallery will be located on the third floor of the Permanent Exhibition Hall and will open with a special joint exhibition created in partnership with the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar. The exhibition, titled “Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendor,” will run for 11 months and will display 83 artifacts from Doha, covering artworks from the 7th to the 19th century.
The gallery is organized into three main sections: religious art, cultural exchange, and Islamic courtly art and manuscripts. Visitors will be able to view a wide range of pieces, including Quran manuscripts, mosque lamps, prayer carpets, astrolabes, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry.
The exhibition also includes media art recreations that help bring historical Islamic spaces to life, such as the “Reception Room of a Nobleman in Damascus,” giving visitors a deeper sense of what these environments looked and felt like.
The design of the gallery itself adds to the experience. It features an octagonal shape and a domed roof, reflecting architectural styles found in Islamic tradition. This thoughtful layout helps create an immersive atmosphere where visitors can appreciate the beauty, creativity, and meaning behind Islamic art.
