The Diriyah Biennale Foundation has revealed the theme and title for the 2025 Islamic Arts Biennale: “And all that is in between.” Taking place from January 25 to May 25, 2025, this second edition will be held at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The event will examine the diverse ways in which faith is celebrated, expressed, and experienced.
Featuring contributions from over 30 institutions across the globe, the Biennale will host participants from nations such as Denmark, Egypt, France, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, Kuwait, Mali, Oman, Palestine, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uzbekistan, and Vatican City. Treasures of Islamic art and historical artifacts will be showcased, including notable pieces loaned by prestigious museums like the Louvre in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Newly commissioned works by more than 20 contemporary artists from Saudi Arabia and the international community will highlight the intersection between Islamic traditions and modern art. The Biennale will pair historical artifacts with contemporary creations, inspired by a Quranic verse that serves as the foundation of its theme: “And God created the Heavens and the Earth and all that is in between.”
Set within five exhibition halls and outdoor spaces, the 2025 Biennale will display more than 500 objects. These exhibits invite reflection on how humanity has used art, culture, and nature to understand the divine. This edition will also introduce unique features, including AlMathala, an outdoor installation space designed as a reimagined Islamic garden, and AlMusalla, an architectural design competition for a prayer space beneath the iconic canopy of the Western Hajj Terminal.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view sacred artifacts from holy cities while engaging with contemporary interpretations of spirituality and faith. By uniting a diverse array of historical and modern works, the Islamic Arts Biennale continues to be a vital platform for showcasing Islamic art. It fosters a global dialogue and provides deeper insight into its cultural and spiritual significance across both time and geography.
Reported by: Arch Daily
