New York – A New York City landmark and a must-see for visitors, the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened its renovated wing, which was closed for refurbishing during eight years, in November last year. The 15 galleries show items produced throughout 13 centuries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. According to the museum, its collection ranks among the most comprehensive of its type in the world.
The exhibition reveals the diversity of Islamic art. There are manuscripts, especially copies of the Koran, samples of the traditional art of calligraphy, ceramics, sculptures, glass artefacts, carpets, guns, engravings and even entire rooms have been recreated within the museum.
A highlight is the vast living room of a house in Damascus. Dating from 1707, during the Ottoman rule, the whole framework was taken from Syria to the United States. In another part of the venue, the inner patio of a house was built, based on medieval Moroccan architecture. Nearby is a fine sample of a mihrab (prayer niche turned to Mecca) from a mosque in Isfahan, Iran, adorned with a mosaic of blue tiles.
One can notice the influence on Islamic art from the cultures of the regions to which the religion spread from the 7th century onwards. Medieval Iranian ceramics, for instance, showcase paintings that feature Chinese-like lines, and a Turkish 16th century engraving.
Artistic quality and the refinement of many works indicate, according to the museum, that they were commissioned by aristocrats or wealthy people. A good example is a large lion-shaped incense holder made from bronze. Originally from Iran, it has the names of its buyer, author, and manufacturing date inscribed in it.
Other highlights are the helm of gallantry and an engraving bearing the official signature of the ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-66), as well as the Simonetti carpet, made around 1500 in Cairo, Egypt. It is odd to think that this large, very well preserved piece was made in the year Brazil was discovered.
The Met, as the museum is known, is huge. It is to New York what the Louvre is to Paris. This means that the visitor must have time to check out the various wings slowly.
Seeing the Islamic art space with a minimum of attention can take up most of a day. The collection features over 12,000 items, of which 1,200 are on show to the public. The items are switched from time to time for conservation purposes or to prevent deterioration.
Service
Metropolitan Museum of Art
5th Avenue, 1000, near 82nd St, New York (USA)
The nearest subway station is on 86th St and Lexington Ave
Tel.: +1 212 535-7710
Hours
Tuesdays to Thursday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Fridays to Saturdays from 9:30 am to 9:00 pm
Sundays 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Closed on Mondays
Tickets
Adults US$ 25
Seniors (over 65 years old) US$ 17
Students US$ 12
Children under 12 accompanied by an adult are admitted free of charge
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum