Marvellous Creatures: Animals in Islamic Art
May 07, 2016 - Sep 11, 2016

They roam the pages of countless legends, tales and fables, and have inspired artists for centuries. Meet the marvellous creatures of such classic literature as the Shahnameh and Kalila wa Dimna. Through an astonishing variety of media — including manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, glass, and metalwork from the 7th to the 21st centuries — the exhibition Marvellous Creatures celebrates these real and mythical animals and illuminates the knowledge contained in their stories.

They roam the pages of countless legends, tales and fables, and have inspired artists for centuries. Meet the marvellous creatures of such classic literature as the Shahnameh and Kalila wa Dimna. Through an astonishing variety of media — including manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, jewellery, glass, and metalwork from the 7th to the 21st centuries — the exhibition Marvellous Creatures celebrates these real and mythical animals and illuminates the knowledge contained in their stories.

Families, look out for creature-inspired programming, including storytellers with Family Sundays and special summer camp sessions in July and August. And don't forget to ask for your free activity kit to discover marvellous creatures on our first floor!

This exhibition has been produced in partnership with the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar.
Originally organized by and exhibited at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, Marvellous Creatures is being modified especially for the Aga Khan Museum, and will feature key works from the Aga Khan Museum's Collection and other international private and public collections.

Supported by
Amir Rupani and Family



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