Hong Kong’s First Islamic Art Exhibition Opens Its Doors

Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

Exhibition Details

• Location: Gallery 9, Hong Kong Palace Museum
• Dates: June 18, 2025 – October 6, 2025

The exhibition showcases exquisite carpets from the Safavid, Ottoman, and Mughal empires, along with ceramics, metalwork, manuscripts, and jades from the 10th to 19th centuries. These masterpieces highlight the artistic exchanges facilitated by trade, migration, and diplomacy among these significant dynasties. The full phamplet is available here.

Cultural Exchanges Between China and the Islamic World

Exchanges between China and the Islamic world date back to the Tang dynasty, with early interactions noted in historical texts. Maritime trade routes flourished, connecting Muslim merchants with Chinese coastal cities, significantly impacting the economy of southern China. The mutual fascination with each other’s art led to the incorporation of motifs from Chinese ceramics into Islamic artworks and vice versa, highlighting a rich tapestry of cultural influence.

The Safavid Dynasty

The Safavid dynasty (1501–1736) thrived under Shah Abbas, who boosted trade and the arts in Isfahan. Their silk and carpet industries became renowned, utilizing innovative production techniques to meet European demand. The influx of Chinese porcelain during this period further enriched Safavid art, showcasing a blend of influences that underscored the dynasty’s cultural significance.

The Mughal and Ottoman Dynasties

The Mughal dynasty (1526–1857) unified India, producing magnificent carpets and artworks that reflected diverse cultural influences, including Chinese designs. The Ottoman dynasty (1299–1923) created exquisite textiles and carpets, integrating motifs from Chinese art into their own creations. Both dynasties exemplified the dynamic interplay between cultures, driven by trade, diplomacy, and artistic collaboration.

Sections of the Exhibition

1. Cultural Exchanges: An overview of interactions between the Islamic world and China since the 7th century.
2. Safavid Dynasty: Exploration of design and significance of carpets from this era (1501–1736).
3. Mughal Dynasty: Insights into the art and cultural relevance of Mughal carpets (1526–1857).
4. Ottoman Dynasty: Examination of Ottoman carpet artistry (1299–1923).

Organizers

Jointly presented by the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, featuring around 100 treasures from the Doha museum alongside collections from the Palace Museum.

The Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong is the community partner of this exhibition.

Special Programs

• School Group Visits: Join our school group visits to enrich student experiences.
• Community Tours: Join our special tours tailored for registered charities and non-profits.

Opening Hours

• Mon, Wed, Thu, Sun: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Fri, Sat & Public Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Closed: Tuesdays (except public holidays) & the first two days of the Lunar New Year

Special Holiday Arrangement

• July 1, 2025 (Tuesday): 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Getting There

Address: West Kowloon Cultural District, 8 Museum Drive, Kowloon

Transport Options:

• Kowloon Station: Via Airport Express or Tung Chung Line
  • Exit E4/E5: Walk approximately 10–15 minutes.
  • Exit C1/D1: Walk through ELEMENTS; approximately 10–15 minutes.
• Austin Station: Via Tuen Ma Line
  • Exit D2: Take Cultural Express CX1 or W4.
  • Exit B4/B5: Walk approximately 15–20 minutes.

Ticketing Information

You can check detailed ticketing information in this page.

For Gallery 9 Access

• Special Exhibition Ticket (Gallery 1-7 & 9)
  • Flex Entry Ticket: HK$180
  • Timed Entry Ticket: HK$150

Other Ticket Options

• Full Access Ticket (Gallery 1–9)
  • Flex Entry Ticket: HK$240
  • Timed Entry Ticket: HK$200

Special Exhibition (Gallery 1-7 & 8)

• Access to Gallery 8:
  • Treasures of the Mughal Court from the Victoria and Albert Museum
    • Exhibition Period: August 6, 2025 – February 23, 2026
  • Flex Entry Ticket: HK$180
  • Timed Entry Ticket: HK$150

Ticket Purchase

You can purchase your ticket through these providers:

• Cityline (Official ticketing partner)
• China Travel Service (Hong Kong) Limited
• Fliggy
• KKday
• Klook
• Ctrip
• Trip.com

For more details on transport options and ticket booking, visit the museum’s official website. Enjoy the wonders of Islamic art!