Feature: An Artistic Journey in the International City of Toronto | The Latest Art Address: Aga Khan Museum
Feature | Beyond Business and Entertainment!
An Artistic Journey in the International City of Toronto
Chapter 2 | The Aga Khan Museum, Showcasing North America's Largest Collection of Islamic Art
This September, the Aga Khan Museum, one of the world's largest Islamic museums, opened its doors in the suburbs of Toronto. The architecture was designed by Fumihiko Maki, a recipient of the Pritzker Prize. The museum houses over 1,000 precious artifacts, including manuscripts, ceramics, paintings, and carpets, that convey the richness of Islamic culture. By establishing this museum in Toronto, North America's fourth-largest city and a hub of multiculturalism, it also plays a vital role in accurately communicating Islamic culture to people from diverse backgrounds.
Photographs by SUDO YukoText by MINOWA SachikoEdited by TANAKA Junko (OPENERS)
Home to the World's Largest Collection of Islamic Art
On September 18, 2014, the Aga Khan Museum, boasting the most extensive collection of Islamic art outside the Middle East, opened its doors approximately 30 minutes by car from Toronto.
The museum is named after the Aga Khan IV, the wealthy spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. A significant portion of its collection comprises the Khan family's treasures, gathered from as far afield as Spain and China, showcasing precious Islamic art.
Over 1,000 Islamic artworks are displayed chronologically and geographically, including Quranic manuscripts from the 7th and 8th centuries, a diverse collection of ceramics that have evolved in form across different places and eras, and intricately crafted carpets that inspire awe.
A fountain from Cairo, Egypt, has been relocated and is on display. The mosaic tilework is exquisitely beautiful.
The building, designed by world-renowned architect Fumihiko Maki, captivates with the gentle light filtering through its courtyards and ceilings. Furthermore, the use of 'mashrabiya,' a traditional Islamic latticed window style, creates a captivating interplay of light and shadow throughout the interior.
A Quranic manuscript adorned with gold leaf and other embellishments. It is a work of art in itself.
The light streaming into the museum enhances its mystical ambiance.
An astrolabe from 14th-century Spain. Its delicate ornamentation is remarkable.
The museum is fully equipped with a restaurant and theatre, and the Ismaili Centre, a cultural facility, is adjacent. It is poised to play a significant role in fostering a correct understanding of Islamic culture through direct engagement with its art and heritage.
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Drive
Tel. +1- 416-646-4677
Hours | 10:00–18:00
Closed Mondays
https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/
Toronto Museums and Galleries Index
Beyond the Aga Khan Museum, Toronto is home to 125 other museums and galleries, offering a diverse array of artistic experiences. Simply exploring the unique architectural designs of these institutions is an enjoyable pursuit in itself.
Art Gallery of Ontario
317 Dundas Street West
Tel. +1-416-979-6648
Hours | 10:00–17:30 (Thursdays until 20:30)
Closed Mondays
http://www.ago.net
Known affectionately as the AGO, this is Canada's premier art museum. Its collection of works by British sculptor Henry Moore is among the largest in the world. The museum's architecture, designed by Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry, is also spectacular.
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queen’s Park
Tel. +1-416-586-8000
Hours | 10:00–17:30 (Fridays until 18:30)
Closed December 25 (Thursday) only
http://www.rom.on.ca
Home to over 6 million artifacts from around the globe, including dinosaur skeletons excavated in Canada, as well as art from China, ancient Egypt, and Europe. The crystal-like building, designed by Michael Lee-Chin, is a work of art in itself.
Gardiner Museum
111 Queen’s Park
Tel. +1-416-586-8080
Hours | 10:00–17:00 (Mondays–Thursdays until 18:00, Fridays until 21:00)
http://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca
This museum is dedicated exclusively to ceramics. With a studio staffed by professional ceramicists, it's a must-visit for pottery enthusiasts. The Gardiner Restaurant, curated by Canadian celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy, is also highly recommended.
Bata Shoe Museum
327 Bloor Street West
Tel. +1-416-979-7799
Hours | 10:00–17:00 (Thursdays until 20:00, Sundays from 12:00)
http://www.batashoemuseum.ca
The collection of over 10,000 shoes, amassed by the Bata shoe company's founder, is truly impressive. Spanning 4,500 years of footwear history, from ancient Egyptian sandals to Elvis Presley's iconic shoes, the exhibits are spread across four galleries.
Hockey Hall of Fame
Brookfield Place, 30 Yonge Street
Tel. +1-416-360-7765
Hours: Please refer to the website
http://www.hhof.com
The Hockey Hall of Fame celebrates Canada's national sport. Legendary players and coaches are enshrined here. It also features a specialized shop for hockey merchandise.
Inquiries
Tourism Toronto
http://www.seetorontonow.jp/