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Performing Arts

Performing arts and the material arts of Muslim civilizations have mutually inspired and informed each other for more than 1,400 years. A variety of Programs, showcasing local and international musicians, dancers, and other performers, generate creativity and the sharing of ideas. At the Aga Khan Museum, artists perform, collaborate, create, and inspire audiences through Programs that include showcase performances, classes and workshops, films, panel discussions, lectures, and even public jam sessions.

The Aga Khan Museum has a strong educational vocation. As an educational institution, the Museum presents insights on the history of Muslim civilizations through thought-provoking activities and events. Talks, tours, readings and gallery programs offer a unique opportunity to interact with the Museum’s collection, exhibitions and experts.


SHOWCASE PERFORMANCES

The Aga Khan Museum’s state-of-the-art Auditorium hosts outstanding live performances, from music to dance to spoken word, theatre, and multidisciplinary arts, featuring local, national, and international artists. Showcase Performances introduce audiences to unique collaborations of new sights and sounds.

View Upcoming Events and Performances

ARTISTS’ RESIDENCIES

Guest artists are invited to collaborate, create, teach, learn, and present in short-term residencies at the Aga Khan Museum. While in residence, artists may participate in panel discussions and lecture demonstrations; take part in the Hive Jam Sessions with local artists; and conduct workshops and classes either with children or adults. All residencies culminate in Showcase Performances.

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES / PROGRAMS (LEARN)

The Aga Khan Museum’s Education and Scholarly Programs and Performing Arts Departments jointly present live performances tailored for school audiences. These musical encounters between artists and students introduce new vocabularies and contexts, broadening students’ understanding of the world and its cultures.

Education Programs also include Summer Camps and a variety of educations activities

FILM

Recognizing their dual status as art forms and as means of communication, the Aga Khan Museum includes film and new media as an important part of public programming. The Museum’s 350-seat Auditorium provides an optimal viewing experience with its large screen and state-of-the-art sound system.

THE HIVE JAM SESSIONS

The Aga Khan Museum presents Hive-Jam Sessions, opportunities for the public and local artists to improvise with visiting showcase artists and artists-in-residence. The Hive Jam Sessions — whose name was inspired by the hexagonal shape of the Museum’s auditorium — encourage cross-cultural and cross-disciplinary collaborations.

MASTER CLASSES

Teacher-Student relationship is critical for the transmission of knowledge and tradition within live arts. The Aga Khan Museum offers senior students opportunities to work with selected artists showcased at the Museum. Visitors are welcome to attend featured sessions.

POP-UP PERFORMANCES

Enjoy informal performances by talented local artists in the Museum’s public spaces and galleries. Our diverse season includes Ukrainian jazz fusion, Afro-Cuban and Indigenous Colombian music, Chinese classical music, and much more.

Pop-Up Performances are generally scheduled for:

Wednesdays at 5 pm, 6 pm, and 7 pm
Weekends at 12 pm, 1 pm, and 3 pm

These performances do not require a separate ticket. Locations within the Museum vary by performance.

SPECIAL EVENTS

On many occasions, The Aga Khan Museum hosts special events. Visit this website for the latest in special events.

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