Works From the Vatican Library to Be Featured in Islamic Arts Biennale

A selection of works from the Vatican Library’s collections will be showcased in the AlMadar section of the Islamic Arts Biennale, held at the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah from January 25th to May 24th, 2025.

Organised by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the Islamic Arts Biennale celebrates the rich artistic and scientific achievements of Islamic civilization. The exhibition blends historical artefacts with contemporary works by Muslim artists from around the world, spanning an expansive 110,000-square-metre space. The inaugural edition in 2023 attracted over 600,000 visitors.

Curated under the theme ‘AlMadar’ (Arabic for ‘The Orbit’), the exhibit will feature a diverse array of works sourced from museums and libraries worldwide juxtaposed with contemporary pieces. It will explore the "art of numbers," tracing its origins in nature and examining its various applications in Islamic culture - from practical uses like terrestrial mapping and navigation, to the geometric proportions that underpin Islamic art and architecture.

The Vatican Library, officially known as the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, is one of the world's oldest libraries. Formally established in 1475 and located in Vatican City, it holds an extensive collection of manuscripts, rare books, maps and other historical documents, many of which date back to antiquity.