Fondazione Bruschettini brings Islamic art to Jeddah Biennale with Marco Polo focus
At the second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah, which commenced in January 2025, the Fondazione Bruschettini per l'Arte Islamica e Asiatica stands out as the sole Italian representative. Established by Alessandro Bruschettini (1939–2021) and recognized as a nonprofit since 2012, the foundation has contributed works to the ALMadar section, curated by Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, Abdul Rahman Azzam, and Muhannad Shono. Elisabetta Raffo, the foundation's director, mentioned that their collaboration initiated in late 2023, emphasizing themes of creation. The exhibition showcases Marco Polo's travels, featuring "Il Milione" and a portolan chart from the 13th–14th century, alongside a Quran from Mehmed II and various textiles. The collection is currently housed in Milan while awaiting a permanent location.
Key facts
- Fondazione Bruschettini is the only Italian institution at the second Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah.
- The biennale opened in January 2025 and is expected to attract up to one million visitors.
- The foundation contributed pieces to the ALMadar section, curated by Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, Abdul Rahman Azzam, and Muhannad Shono.
- The exhibition focuses on Marco Polo's journey, featuring a 13th–14th century portolan chart and objects from the Silk Road.
- Alessandro Bruschettini founded the collection, which includes a Quran of Mehmed II and rare Mongol textiles.
- The foundation holds the photographic archive of the Citroën 'Croisière jaune' expedition (1931–1932).
- The foundation's library of 40,000 volumes is accessible at Villa Franzoni in Genoa.
- The foundation became a nonprofit in 2012.
Entities
Artists
- Alessandro Bruschettini
- Elisabetta Raffo
- Julian Raby
- Amin Jaffer
- Abdul Rahman Azzam
- Muhannad Shono
- Marco Polo
- Mehmed II
- Beniamino Facchinelli
- Federico da Montefeltro
Institutions
- Fondazione Bruschettini per l'Arte Islamica e Asiatica
- Islamic Arts Biennale
- Museum of Islamic Art Doha
- David Collection Copenhagen
- Palazzo Ducale di Urbino
- Citroën
Locations
- Jeddah
- Saudi Arabia
- Genoa
- Italy
- Milan
- Urbino
- Cairo
- Egypt
- Beirut
- Lebanon
- Beijing
- China
- Paris
- France
- London
- UK
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Doha
- Qatar
- Iran
- Afghanistan
- Black Sea
- Crimea