The Herzliya Museum of Islamic Art is an oasis of cultural exploration in the heart of Herzliya, Israel. Located on the coastal city’s waterfront, the museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history, culture, and art of the Islamic world. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, ranging from ancient pottery to modern paintings. Here are 10 things to do at the Herzliya Museum of Islamic Art.
1. Explore the Permanent Collection
The museum’s permanent collection consists of more than 2,000 pieces from the Islamic world, including art, artifacts, and manuscripts. Highlights include a large collection of calligraphy, ceramics, metalwork, and textiles, as well as an impressive selection of Islamic coins.
2. Check Out the Special Exhibitions
The museum hosts a number of special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works from renowned Islamic artists and collections from around the world. Recent exhibitions have included “The Art of the Book in the Islamic World,” “The Art of the Ottoman Empire,” and “The Art of the Mughal Empire.”
3. Attend a Lecture or Workshop
The museum offers a variety of lectures and workshops on topics related to Islamic art and culture. Recent events have included lectures on Islamic calligraphy, Persian miniature painting, and the history of Islamic architecture.
4. Visit the Library
The museum’s library contains more than 5,000 books and periodicals related to Islamic art and culture. Visitors can browse the collection or borrow books to take home.
5. Take a Tour
The museum offers guided tours of its permanent collection, as well as special tours of its current exhibitions. Tours are available in both English and Hebrew.
6. Shop at the Museum Store
The museum store offers a wide selection of books, postcards, prints, and souvenirs related to Islamic art and culture.
7. Enjoy a Meal at the Café
The museum’s café serves a variety of light meals and snacks, as well as hot and cold drinks.
8. Attend a Concert or Performance
The museum hosts a number of concerts and performances throughout the year, featuring traditional and contemporary music from the Islamic world.
9. Take a Class
The museum offers a variety of classes and workshops, including classes on Islamic calligraphy, pottery, and painting.
10. Visit the Sculpture Garden
The museum’s sculpture garden features a number of sculptures and installations from the Islamic world. The garden is open to visitors during museum hours.
The Herzliya Museum of Islamic Art is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the art and culture of the Islamic world. With its extensive collection of artifacts, special exhibitions, lectures, and classes, it is sure to provide visitors with an enriching and unforgettable experience.