Hong Kong is set to open its first major Islamic art exhibition this Wednesday at the Palace Museum, showcasing 90 remarkable works that span nearly a millennium of craftsmanship and culture. The exhibition, titled “Wonders of Imperial Carpets: Masterpieces from the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha”, will run until October 6, 2025.
The show features an exquisite selection of Islamic carpets, ceramics, and manuscripts from the 10th to the 19th centuries, offering a unique glimpse into the artistic and cultural exchanges between China and the Islamic world.
Among the highlights is the 17th-century Kevorkian Hyderabad carpet, a richly detailed piece that exemplifies the mastery of Islamic textile art. All items on display have been carefully selected from the 12,000-piece collection of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha, Qatar — making this the institution’s debut exhibition in Hong Kong.
“This exhibition reflects a thousand years of cultural dialogue and helps illuminate the historical roots of the modern Belt and Road Initiative,” said Louis Ng Chi-wa, Director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
Shaika Nasser Al-Nassr, Director of the MIA, emphasized the importance of the exhibition in building cultural bridges: “This collaboration reflects our belief that art has the power to transcend borders and bring people together. We’re committed to creating spaces that spark dialogue, curiosity, and deeper understanding.”
The exhibition comes amid broader diplomatic efforts by Hong Kong to strengthen relationships with the Middle East. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has led two high-level visits to the region in the past two years, part of a strategic initiative to boost business and cultural ties in the face of global geopolitical shifts and increasing China-US tensions.