Put on your thinking caps.
The Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale is returning next year. The exciting event celebrates Islamic heritage through art.
First held in 2023, the exhibition brought in on-theme artifacts and contemporary artworks to be displayed over 120,000 square meters of exhibition spaces, taking over the Western Hajj Terminal at the King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Set to return for its second edition next year, the Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale 2025 theme has been released. From January 25 the exhibition will be displaying participating artists’ take on ‘And All That Is In-Between’.
Can’t wait to check out the art? Us neither. Here is everything about the art biennale.
Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale 2025
The first edition of the art biennale was held in 2023 and saw local and international artists present their take on that year’s theme, ‘Awwal Bait’ or First House. Held every two years, the biennale is coming back in 2025.
Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the exhibition has multiple workshops, talks, and more, making it an art haven.
Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale 2025 location
Just like two years ago, the biennale has been cleared for landing at the King Abdulaziz International Airport’s Western Hajj Terminal.
Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale 2025 dates
The event will run from Saturday, January 25 to Sunday, May 25.
Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale 2025 tickets
No information about the tickets for the art biennale has been released but keep checking Destination KSA to learn more.
Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale 2025 theme
Next year, the exhibition will be exploring how faith is experienced, expressed, and celebrated. Over 30 global institutions will participate, including France, Egypt, Indonesia, the UK, the US, and, of course, Saudi Arabia.
Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale 2025 events
The showcase will include more than 500 historical artifacts and contemporary artworks including pieces from Makkah and Madinah. Many pieces will be loaned to the exhibition from institutions like the Louvre in Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Over 20 artists and collectives from the Kingdom and beyond will also be presenting new commissions.
There will also be celestial navigation, Islamic gardens, and even a competition to design a new prayer space, with the winning entry being constructed on-site.
The Vatican Library will also participate and showcase several works from its collections, in “The Art of Numbers” display at the Al-Madar section of the biennale.
Saudi Arabia and art
The Kingdom’s art scene is always evolving and adding new layers to the overall tapestry of the expression medium. The capital city gets lit up by the largest light art festival in the world, Noor Riyadh, every year. There is also Desert X in AlUla, which has been inspired by the original Desert X in California’s Coachella Valley, and the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, which features drone shows over the ancient landscape of the city.
Sat Jan 25-Sun May 25. Western Hajj Terminal, King Abdulaziz International Airport, diriyahbiennalefoundation.com.
