Jameel Gallery at the V&A celebrates 20 years as home to one of the world's most significant Islamic art collections

The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), in collaboration with Community Jameel and Art Jameel, commemorated the 20-year anniversary of The Jameel Gallery on Sunday. This groundbreaking gallery, opened in July 2006, has revolutionized the presentation and understanding of Islamic art, showcasing over 400 significant objects spanning various mediums.

The V&A's internationally renowned collection of Islamic art has been presented in a new light, combining contemporary exhibition design, custom cases, lighting, and multimedia resources to deepen visitor engagement with the collection's historic significance. The gallery's diverse collection includes the Ardabil Carpet, Minbar of Sultan Qaytbay, and a Fatimid rock crystal ewer.

The Jameel family's support has extended beyond the gallery, involving contemporary commissions, acquisitions, fellowships, research, public programs, and digital initiatives. The Jameel Prize, established in 2009, recognizes contemporary art and design inspired by Islamic culture, while the Jameel Fellowship Programme offers artists and researchers opportunities to explore the V&A's collections.

Recent highlights include the Tatreez: Palestinian Embroidery and Golden Threads: Dress from Saudi Arabia exhibitions, as well as the ongoing London Design Festival commission by Uzbek artist Aziza Kadyri. Prince Turki Al-Faisal praised the partnership's impact on museum professionals, curators, and art historians worldwide.