Art Institute of Chicago mounts first major SWANA textile survey

From May 2, 2026, to January 25, 2027, the Art Institute of Chicago will host "Embroidered Traditions from Morocco to Afghanistan." This marks the museum's inaugural exhibition focused solely on the artistic and cultural heritage of Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA). Featuring over 70 pieces, the showcase predominantly includes items from the museum's own collection, such as textiles, jewelry, and decorative items spanning the 18th to 20th centuries. Many of these artifacts have never been exhibited before. The exhibition emphasizes the ancient embellishment methods employed by regional artists to convey identity, status, and belief systems.