DAY 65 - THE MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART

My apologies to all who have been here looking for updates. I am not quite the blooger I thought I might be.

ISLAMIC ART MUSEUM

I need to back-track to Februaray 5th;my first visit to the MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART. This is a beautifully spare building on the outside, from a distance just looks like stacked sandstone blocks with a long sloped approach lined with palm trees. The museum seems to float on the water with lovely reflecting pools and a series of arches that nicely frame the city view in the background. Sunset is the best time to view this area. The interior is initially a wonderfully spare 3-story hall with a wall of glass at the back where the café seating is. All the galleries are situated on the perimeter with very low light levels and finishes to complement the exhibits. The space is cool and a welcome relief from the sun and heat. Its open though not loud and echo-y, lit by a huge circular light fixture hung from the ocular at the uppermost “block”. a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOrG5Wes9L_mpQlM04svWPoTn-3uGGW9K4gRiAB5lL4xhCNZcN3QimWRCi1xh3-pZn4eMwZPoI4iLJBXsfO0gEyWP5bEq_vcpFfKawdpq21OHzvdi10DcBDWdRH_pUWoXzvvn_-lXBInm5/s1600-h/IMG_0715.JPG">

< The museum’s permanent collection holds Islamic calligraphy, ceramics, textiles….from 3 continents not only the Arab peninsula. Currently a stunning temporary exhibit PEARLS is on view. Photography was not allowed so check the link for information and exhibit photographs.

I made a return visit recently to have lunch with a friend and was disapointed to find the café still not open. The seating area is still a great place to sit with a laptop, enjoy the water and city view and people watch. With free entrance, free wi-fi and stunning architecture, it may be my newest favorite place.a>


parting shots...