Islamic Art Biennale ’25: A Serene Unification Of Art & Spirituality

By
Mehar Deep Kaur
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Entrance | OMA

Following the success of the much-publicized inaugural 2023 Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, its second edition opened its doors to the public on January 25, and will continue to serve as an impressive visionary platform showcasing artistic traditions till May 25. Consciously titled as ‘And All That Is In Between’, the phrase, appearing multiple times in the Quran, is drawn from the verse: “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.” It reflects the vast and majestic scope of God’s creation as witnessed by humankind. The 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale takes inspiration from this verse, offering a deep exploration of how faith is experienced, expressed, and honored. The Award-winning landmark designed by SOM at King Abdulaziz International Airport -Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah is a laudable extension of Saudi Arabia’s cultural & religious gratitude towards Islam. It honors millions of pilgrims from around the world who pass through the airport each year to attend the sacred Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages to Makkah.

Western Hajj Terminal | Archdaily

Spatial design components

The Biennale seamlessly weaves together over 500 historical artifacts and 29 contemporary art commissions, more than doubling the content of its inaugural edition. This curation offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the continuum of Islamic art, from its rich past to its vibrant present. The exhibition’s scenography, crafted by the renowned architecture firm OMA, transforms the Western Hajj Terminal’s vast spaces into immersive environments. The design harmoniously blends the terminal’s iconic canopy with the thematic elements of the Biennale, creating a cohesive and contemplative atmosphere. The exhibition consists of seven unique components spread across 1,00,00 square meters of dedicated space.

Site Planning by OMA

AlBidayah (The Beginning) signifies Jeddah’s role as a gateway to Islam’s holy cities, the opening galleries will display artifacts from Makkah and Madinah. It invites visitors to contemplate the sacred – unfolding in a meticulously curated space where historic artifacts and contemporary installations coexist.

Hayat Osamah’s Soft Gates | Selections

AlMadar (The Orbit) promotes collaboration and dialogue as 21 institutions from around the world present contemporary artistic commissions that emphasize the universal, timeless nature of numbers and how they continue to play an important role in Islamic arts and cultures.

Timo Nasseri, Echoes of the Skies | Selections

AlMuqtani (The Homage) displays works of Islamic art from two collections – Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani and Rifaat Sheikh El Ard. The former is characterized by a taste for precious materials and virtuosic artistry, particularly focusing on jeweled objects. The latter is renowned for metalwork, especially works associated with chivalric culture across Islamic civilizations. This section stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Islamic art.

Mishkah Lamp | Selections

AlMidhallah (The Canopy) acknowledges the prominence of gardens in Islamic art & architecture. The outdoor setting allows visitors to follow a route through four quadrants that encourage reflection, learning, meditation, and social encounters.

The Canopy | Selections

Fatma Abdulhadi, I Wish You in Heaven | Selections

AlMukarramah (The Honored) and AlMunawwarah (The Illuminated) recognizes the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role as guardian of the holy cities of Makkah & Madinah by placing two permanent pavilions featuring the contrasting characteristics & energies of these cities.

Installation view of the AlMukarramah Pavilion | Archdaily

Installation view of the AlMunawwarah Pavilion | Archdaily

A notable highlight of this year’s Biennale is the AlMusalla Prize-winning structure, created by EAST Architecture Studio (@east_architecture_studio) in partnership with artist Rayyane Tabet and engineers AKT II (@akt_ii). Drawing inspiration from traditional weaving methods, the prayer space is crafted from sustainable materials sourced from local date palm trees, showcasing a strong focus on environmental consciousness and cultural heritage.

AlMusalla Prize-winning structure | Archdaily

Notable Artworks

A centerpiece of the 2025 Biennale is the first-ever public display of the complete Kiswah, the sacred cloth that adorns the Holy Kaaba. This unprecedented exhibition allows visitors to engage with a revered artifact outside its traditional setting. “It’s difficult to imagine anything more sacred to Muslims than the Kiswah that dresses the House of God,” says the Islamic art scholar Julian Raby, who returned as one of the artistic directors for the event, alongside Abdul Rahman Azzam and Amin Jaffer.

Kiswah on Display | Archdaily

Pakistani artist Imran Qureshi’s installation, “Between Sacred Cities,” draws inspiration from the holy cities. Spanning 450 square meters, this hand-woven nylon piece envelops the transitional space between the Biennale’s Mecca and Madina pavilions, symbolizing an oasis and offering a place of reflection for visitors.

Images

Curators and global collaboration

The Biennale’s artistic direction is helmed by a distinguished team: Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam. Saudi artist Muhannad Shono, known for his exploration of spirituality and imagination, serves as the Contemporary Art Curator.

Demonstrating its international reach, the Biennale features loans from over 30 esteemed institutions worldwide, namely Vatican Apostolic Library, the Louvre Museum in Paris, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. These collaborations enrich the exhibition, offering a panoramic view of Islamic art’s global influence.

Beyond the exhibits

The Biennale offers a comprehensive public program designed to engage diverse audiences. Initiatives such as “Biennale After School” and “Biennale After Work” provide hands-on artistic exploration and learning opportunities. Weekly events, including “Culinary Thursdays” and “Cinema Nights,” further enrich the visitor experience, fostering a deeper connection to Islamic art and culture.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia embraces its role as a guardian of the Islamic world, delivering an ambitious event, even by Gulf standards. As the nation continues to position itself as a cultural nexus, this Biennale exemplifies their commitment to celebrating and preserving its rich artistic heritage while incorporating contemporary expressions. With no hierarchy, the exhibition maintains a broad and meaningful appeal, enriched by its storytelling. “Truth and beauty will endure, and this calm, confident Biennale instills pride,” says Dr. Azzam

References

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Mehar Deep Kaur
Mehar Deep Kaur
http://www.cindrebay.com
An Architect and Urban Designer by vocation, Mehar Deep Kaur is an accomplished educator and writer in the realm of architecture and design. She helms an academic journal, dedicated to disseminating knowledge about the built environment, and has authored multiple research papers on sensitive urban development, published in esteemed peer-reviewed and Scopus Indexed journals. An innovative designer at heart, she holds patents for her designs, focused on optimizing multi-functionality within compact products. Mehar is also empanelled with some online education platforms as a mentor and course instructor. The young academician is driven by the belief that living a deeply fulfilling and meaningful life requires approaching every endeavor with unwavering passion (Meraki).

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