“Knowledge and Freedom”: an exhibition at the Museo Civico Medievale in Bologna, curated by Anna Contadini, an expert in Islamic art history, in collaboration with Mattia Guidetti. The collection features 38 pieces from various regions of the Islamic world and will be on display until September 15. The thematic tours highlight the cultural and artistic influence on the West.

Over five centuries of history. An exhibition that illuminates and unveils the precious core of Islamic art pieces housed at the Museo Medievale. This showcase aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Muslim creativity and artistry, revealing the profound influence that Islamic material cultures have had on Western art and thought. Curated objects, gathered through targeted collecting, span a vast region from Iraq to Spain and cover an extensive timeline from the early 13th to the 18th century.

Understanding these pieces aims to break free from prejudices and stereotypes, showcasing the significant impact of these cultures on European art and intellect. This exhibition project, a result of a notable research collaboration between the Musei Civici d’Arte Antica of Bologna Civic Museums and SOAS-University of London, revolves around themes that emphasize the transmission of scientific knowledge, the reinterpretation of Arabic scripts and epigraphic elements, and the adaptation of production techniques and ornaments.

“In this exhibition, I let the objects speak for themselves, showcasing their stories and the cultural contexts they have journeyed through. I didn’t organize it by chronology or material; instead, I focused on highlighting the relationship between Islamic culture and its impact on the West. I believe this approach is truly innovative,” said curator Anna Contadini, a professor at SOAS University of London.

Moreover, the parade weapons on display, with their precious materials and intricate designs, not only connect to the political history of the Mediterranean and its military campaigns but also stand as objects of wonder, appealing more to aesthetics than to warfare.

The exhibition will feature a series of in-depth lectures, guided tours, and a catalog.

“Knowledge and Freedom” Seminars and Dates

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 5:00 PM Anna Contadini (SOAS University of London) Transmission and Reception: Islamic Art in Bologna

Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 5:00 PM Lucia Raggetti (University of Bologna) Science as Art: Technique, Nature, and Culture in Medieval Arab-Islamic Society

Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at 5:00 PM Frédéric Bauden (University of Liège) When Objects Speak: Poetic Inscriptions in Islamic Art

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at 5:00 PM Mattia Guidetti (University of Bologna) The Collecting of Islamic Art in Bologna

“Knowledge and Freedom” Guided Tours and Workshops

Saturday, April 20, 2024, at 10:30 AM Guided tour with curator Anna Contadini

Friday, May 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza

Friday, May 31, 2024, at 5:00 PM Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza

Friday, June 7, 2024, at 5:00 PM Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza

Friday, June 21, 2024, at 5:00 PM Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza

Friday, July 19, 2024, at 5:00 PM Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza

Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 10:30 AM Guided tour in English Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza

Friday, August 30, 2024, at 5:00 PM Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza

Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM Workshop for children aged 6 to 10 Organized by RTI Senza Titolo S.r.l., ASTER S.r.l., and Tecnoscienza. Reservation required: Tel. 051 2193930 | musarteanticascuole@comune.bologna.it

Saturday, September 14, 2024, at 10:30 AM Guided tour with curator Anna Contadini

“Knowledge and Freedom” Tickets and Opening Hours

Opening Hours

• Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Friday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday and holidays: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Closed: non-holiday Mondays, May 1, and Christmas

Tickets

Purchase your ticket online.

• Full price: €6.00
• Reduced price: €4.00
  • Over 65
  • Groups of at least 10 people
  • Affiliated organizations (FAI, Friends and Supporters of Bologna Festival, Treccani Card, PerTe Pam Panorama)
• Reduced price: €2.00
  • Ages 18-25
• Free:
  • Under 18
  • Secondary school students
  • University students with ID
  • Preschool and daycare educators from the Municipality of Bologna
  • Participants in special cultural mediation programs
  • 2 chaperones per school group
  • 1 chaperone for groups of at least 10 people
  • 1 chaperone for minors attending museum workshops
  • Journalists and tour guides with ID
  • Disabled visitors and holders of the European Disability Card with one companion
  • Holders of the Bologna Culture Card and Bologna Welcome Card
  • Faculty and students with ID from Architecture, Cultural Heritage Conservation, Education Sciences, and Archaeology or Art History programs from Humanities Faculties, Art Academies, Music Conservatories, and corresponding faculties and courses in EU member states
  • Affiliated organizations

Contact Information

You can visit the website and reach out to the staff here.