Fragments of a Lost Past or Evidence of a Connected History? The Role and Concept of Islamic Art in the Museum Context

The first years of the 21st century witnessed an impressive re-evaluation of Islamic art and archaeology. Most of the larger collections of Islamic art have been, or still are, undergoing reorganization, in part because museums and galleries have become increasingly important forums for public interest in Islamic cultures. Yet there has been little discussion of content, categories of order, and the new role of museums.

In this lecture, Stefan Weber, director of the Museum of Islamic Art, at Berlin’s Pergamon Museum, traces the history of permanent exhibitions of Islamic art and archaeology from the early 20th century to the present.

This event will be held in Menschel Hall, Lower Level. The lecture will take place from 6 to 7pm. Select galleries will be open for one hour following the lecture.

Free admission. Please enter the museums via the entrance on Broadway.

Complimentary parking available in the Broadway Garage, 7 Felton Street, in Cambridge.

The Norma Jean Calderwood Lecture Fund honors a longtime friend of the Harvard Art Museums who pursued graduate study in Islamic art at Harvard and who for many years taught Islamic and Asian art at Boston College and at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.