The Aga Khan Museum fosters knowledge and understanding of Islamic civilization through cultural programming and an extraordinary collection of Islamic arts and artifacts, drawn from the collections of His Highness the Aga Khan, Prince and Princess Sadruddin Aga Khan and the Institute of Ismaili Studies in London.

To quote his highness: ‘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. 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.’

This project does just that. The first of its kind in North America, the Aga Khan Museum offers visitors a window into worlds unknown or unfamiliar: the artistic, intellectual, and scientific heritage of Muslim civilizations across the centuries from the Iberian Peninsula to China.

The architectural expression draws inspiration from the most basic, universal source: LIGHT.

The building acts as a vessel that is both animated and sculpted by light in myriad ways: casting patterns on the exterior granite walls, enhancing interior spaces, or illuminating the open-roofed courtyard.

The building contains two large exhibition galleries, art conservation and storage spaces, a 350-seat theatre, teaching and research spaces. The contemporary design incorporates historical elements originating in Islamic cultures, building bridges between eras and civilizations.

Set within a 6.8 hectare park, the Museum shares a site with the Ismaili Centre, located at the opposite end of the impressive park. The complex is a symbolic marker of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in Canada and promotes cultural, religious and intellectual exploration.

Publish Date : 2022/Jul/13