Louvre to Lend 26 Islamic Art Masterpieces to Smithsonian NMAA
The Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art (NMAA) will host the exhibition 'From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art' from 26 September 2026 to 18 January 2027, featuring 26 pieces from the Louvre Museum's Islamic art collection. This display will showcase items previously unseen in the US, including the bronze Lion of Monzón and a sizable Ottoman ceramic bowl. The artifacts, dating from the 7th to 19th centuries, come from regions ranging from Spain to India. Co-curator Simon Rettig emphasizes that many of these works were prestigious gifts, including those from Mughal emperor Jahangir. This exhibition underscores the partnership between the Louvre and NMAA, aligning with the 250th anniversary of the United States and themes of diplomatic exchange.
Key facts
- The Louvre will lend 26 works from its Islamic art collection to the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art.
- The exhibition 'From the Louvre: Masterpieces of Islamic Art' runs from 26 September 2026 to 18 January 2027.
- The exhibition will be held only in Washington, DC.
- Featured works include the Lion of Monzón (10th–11th century) and an Ottoman ceramic bowl from around 1480.
- The works span the 7th to 19th centuries and originate from Spain to India.
- The exhibition explores the Islamic concept of 'tuhfa' (objects of extraordinary craftsmanship).
- Two bejeweled ivory pen cases commissioned by Jahangir and gifted to Shah Abbas I and his grand vizier will be shown.
- The 'Baptistery of Saint Louis' basin, used to baptize Louis XIII, is included.
- The exhibition is part of NMAA's celebration of America's 250th anniversary.
- The show highlights collaboration between the Louvre and NMAA, founded by Charles Lang Freer.
Entities
Artists
- Jahangir
- Shah Abbas I
- Louis Cartier
- Fath-Ali Shah Qajar
- Napoleon
- Pope Urban VIII
- Louis XIII
- Louis IX
- Charles Lang Freer
- Chase F. Robinson
- Simon Rettig
Institutions
- Musée du Louvre
- Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art
- NMAA
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Washington, DC
- United States
- Spain
- India
- Turkey
- Egypt
- Syria
- Iran
- Mughal Empire
- Safavid Empire