South Korea Opens First Islamic Art Gallery: A New Bridge Between Cultures
South Korea has taken a historic step in cultural exchange with the grand opening of its first-ever Islamic Art Gallery at the National Museum of Korea (NMK) in Seoul. The gallery opened to the public on November 22, 2025, marking a significant moment in Korea’s growing engagement with global civilizations.
11/23/20252 min read
A Collaboration Between Korea and Qatar
The new gallery is the result of a special partnership between the National Museum of Korea and the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha, Qatar. Through this collaboration, visitors in Seoul can now explore masterpieces spanning over 1,400 years of Islamic artistic heritage.
The inaugural exhibition, titled “Islamic Art: A Journey of Splendor,” will run until October 11, 2026, showcasing around 83–85 remarkable artworks drawn from the MIA collection.
What Visitors Can Expect
The exhibition is organized into three immersive sections:
1. The Sacred and the Spiritual
This section highlights religious art from the Islamic world, featuring early Qur’anic manuscripts, beautifully decorated mihrab panels, mosque lamps, prayer rugs, and elegant examples of Arabic calligraphy. It offers a peaceful introduction to the spiritual roots of Islamic creativity.
2. Cultural Exchange Across Civilizations
Islamic art is closely tied to travel, trade, and the movement of ideas. This part of the gallery demonstrates how artistic traditions expanded across continents, displaying items such as astrolabes, ceramic vessels, glassware, metalwork, and navigational instruments that connected different cultures from the Middle East to Asia.
3. Imperial Splendor & Courtly Life
The final section celebrates the luxurious world of Islamic empires—including the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal dynasties. Exhibits include royal manuscripts, carpets, jewelry, textiles, and court objects that reflect centuries of refined craftsmanship.
A Unique Museum Experience
The gallery’s design itself is a work of art. Inspired by traditional Islamic architecture, the space features an octagonal layout and a domed ceiling, creating a serene, mosque-like atmosphere.
Visitors can also enjoy:
A recreated “Reception Room of a Damascus Noble” through digital media installation
A hands-on geometric pattern design zone
An Aha! Learning Space for children and families
A guided online tour available on NMK’s YouTube channel
Why This Gallery Matters
The opening of this gallery is more than just a museum update—it’s a moment of meaningful cultural dialogue. For many Koreans, Islamic art and history are still unfamiliar territory. This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to explore the beauty, diversity, and global contributions of Islamic civilization in a respectful and visually compelling way.
It also strengthens the growing relationship between South Korea and Qatar, highlighting the importance of cultural partnerships in today’s interconnected world.
A New Cultural Landmark in Seoul
With its rich collection and thoughtfully curated displays, the Islamic Art Gallery at the National Museum of Korea promises to become one of Seoul’s most captivating cultural attractions. Whether you’re an art lover, a student of history, or simply curious about global cultures, this exhibition offers a journey worth taking.
Disclaimer
The image is AI-generated and only for illustration.