The Islamic Arts Biennale is coming back in 2025, and this time it’s aiming for something even more extraordinary. It’s looking to be a stunning fusion of past and present, where centuries-old Islamic artifacts sit side by side with contemporary art. More than just an exhibition, it’s an experience that invites you to reflect on faith, creativity, and the mystery of everything “in between”.
Hosted by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation at the iconic Western Hajj Terminal in Jeddah from January 25 to May 25, 2025, this edition is an ambitious spiritual rendition of the event’s remarkable debut back in 2023 under the theme “First House”.
The theme for this second edition is titled ”And all that is in between”, which is directly drawn from the Holy Quran. This phrase speaks of the magnificence of divine creation. It’s a poetic reminder of the vastness of God’s work as he’s the creator from the heavens to the earth and all that lies in between. But this isn’t just about religion, the Biennale is designed to be a journey into the heart of culture, art, and human connection.
More than 500 objects, loaned by institutions like the Louvre and the Victoria & Albert Museum, will be displayed across five expansive galleries. These artifacts range from ancient manuscripts and sculptures to modern art installations that challenge the perceptions of faith and spirituality. For example, you might find sacred treasures from places like Makkah and Madinah beside contemporary works from Saudi artists such as Muhannad Shono, whose work reimagines what it means to engage with tradition in today’s world.
AlMusalla Prize competition takes center stage this time around, as architects will design a sustainable prayer space under the terminal’s iconic canopy. Additionally, outdoor spaces such as AlMathala will reinterpret the Islamic garden, blending nature with faith-based artistic expressions. It invites visitors to slow down and reflect on nature’s connection to the divine.
What makes this Biennale even more exciting is its focus on interactivity in both planning and participation. By pulling together over 30 institutions from across the globe, the Islamic Arts Biennale 2025 will be a vibrant conversation between cultures. You’ll see how Islamic art has influenced and been influenced by a multitude of global artistic movements?. The message here is simple but powerful: art, like faith, transcends boundaries, uniting people across time and space.
