18 exhibitions across France explore Islamic art to counter Islamophobia

The French government has launched 'Arts de l'Islam, un passé pour un présent', a nationwide initiative featuring 18 simultaneous exhibitions in 18 French cities, running until March 27, 2022. Organized by the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais and led by Yannick Lintz, head of the Louvre's Department of Islamic Art, the project aims to combat rising Islamophobia by showcasing the diversity of Islamic art and culture. The Louvre plays a central role, lending 60 works from its collections to the exhibitions, which total 210 pieces. Highlights include an 11th-century lamp from a Jerusalem mosque, a 12th-century chandelier depicting the life of Jesus made by an artist from Mosul, jeweled objects from India once owned by King Louis XIV, and 17th-century Iranian carpets. Contemporary art is also featured, with 19 artists from Islamic countries—including Palestinian Raeda Saadeh, Kurdish Hiwa K, and Turkish-French feminist Nil Yalter—reflecting on the intersection of their cultural heritage and modern society. The project targets a broad audience, especially youth, to dismantle stereotypes and foster understanding.