The second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale has opened its doors in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcasing a captivating exploration of faith, artistic expression, and craftsmanship. At the heart of this ambitious exhibition lies the powerful scenography designed by the renowned architecture firm OMA, led by Iyad Alsaka and Kaveh Dabiri.
More than doubling the scale of its inaugural edition, the Biennale presents over 500 historical objects and 29 contemporary art commissions. OMA’s design masterfully unifies this diverse collection, transforming the exhibition space into an immersive and ethereal environment.
Key to this approach is the restrained use of materials, primarily focusing on white fabrics that subtly shift in color and texture under varying light conditions. This minimalist aesthetic creates a sense of calm and allows the artworks to take center stage.
The exhibition, housed within the striking Hajj Terminal designed by SOM, is divided into seven distinct sections: AlBidayah (The Beginning), AlMadar (The Orbit), AlMuqtani (Homage), AlMidhallah (The Canopy), AlMukarramah (The Honored), AlMunawwarah (The Illuminated), and AlMusalla (a space for prayer and gathering).
Each section boasts unique architectural interventions: AlBidayah, dedicated to the sacred, features large, curved walls that amplify the monumentality of the displayed objects, including the Kiswah – the cloth that covers the Holy Kaaba. AlMadar, with contributions from over 30 institutions worldwide, presents a mesmerizing “forest” of 37 illuminated columns that guide visitors through the exhibition.
AlMuqtani, a space dedicated to two significant collections, employs a dramatic bowtie-shaped layout, dividing the gallery into two triangular sections that reveal themselves gradually as visitors navigate the space. AlMidhallah, an outdoor section dedicated to the theme of gardens in Islamic culture, features a carefully curated landscape that integrates site-specific artworks.
Two pavilions, AlMukarramah and AlMunawwarah, are dedicated to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, respectively, showcasing their profound significance in Islamic culture.
The Islamic Arts Biennale, curated by a distinguished team led by Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, will run until May 25, 2025. This project further solidifies OMA‘s position as a leading force in contemporary architecture and their commitment to shaping cultural experiences on a global scale.