The Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, which is dedicated to presenting an overview of the artistic, intellectual and scientific contributions that Muslim civilisations have made to world heritage, will open its doors to the public on September 18. The Museum's Permanent Collection of over 1,000 objects includes masterpieces that reflect a broad range of artistic styles and materials.
These portraits, textiles, miniatures, manuscripts, ceramics, tiles, medical texts, books and musical instruments represent more than ten centuries of human history and a geographic area stretching from the Iberian Peninsula to China. Designed by architect Fumihiko Maki, the Museum shares a 6.8-hectare (17-acre) site with Toronto's Ismaili Centre, which was designed by architect Charles Correa. The surrounding landscaped park, designed by landscape architect Vladimir Djurovic, will provide an exciting new green space for the city of Toronto.
"One of the lessons we have learned in recent years is that the world of Islam and the Western world need to work together much more effectively at building mutual understanding - especially as these cultures interact and intermingle more actively," commented His Highness the Aga Khan. "We hope that this museum will contribute to a better understanding of the peoples of Islam in all of their religious, ethnic, linguistic and social diversity."
From their earliest origins, Muslim civilisations have been characterised by a remarkable diversity of geographies, languages, and cultures. Toronto - and Canada more generally - is internationally recognised for embracing such diversity. The city therefore provides an ideal home for an institution that strives to promote mutual understanding, respect and tolerance among the world's cultures.
"The Aga Khan Museum has an international outlook," observes Henry Kim, Director of the Museum. "Home to a collection of astonishingly beautiful works of art, it will showcase the artistic creativity and achievements of Muslim civilisations from Spain to China. I think local and international visitors will be greatly surprised when they discover just how much the arts of Muslim civilisations are a part of our shared global cultural heritage."-PR