The best of Islamic Arts at the Hermitage

Following eight different exhibitions in Europe,a new selection of masterpieces from the Aga Khan Museum collections are on show at the Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg, Russia), until 26 February, 2012.

The exhibition Treasures of the Aga Khan Museum: Architecture in Islamic Arts is the first created from the Aga Khan Museum collections to centre on architecture in the Islamic World. An agreement was signed spelling out future collaboration between The Hermitage and the Aga Khan Museum in areas of mutual interest such as conservation, exchange of technical expertise and exhibitions.

The exhibition is divided into six sections: Sacred Typographies, which explores the sites and monuments of Islamic pilgrimage through paintings and drawings; Religious and Funerary Architecture, which examines mosques and commemorative shrines; The Fortress and the City, which encompasses forts and fortified towns; The Palace, which looks at the residences of royal families; Gardens, Pavilions and Tents, which discusses the arts of shelter; and Architecture and the Written Word, which focuses on architectural spaces contained in miniature painting.

Date: until February 26.
Location: The State Hermitage Museum. 2, Palace Square, 190000. St. Petersburg. Russia.
Opening hours: from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10.30am to 6pm. Sundays from 10.30am to 5pm.