How does an artistic tradition spanning centuries continue to inspire the world today?

Aga Khan Museum's next major temporary exhibition, As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award, offers a luminous perspective.

Born from a shared commitment to intercultural dialogue and artistic excellence, As the Sun Appears from Beyond began with a creative exchange between the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Culture and the Aga Khan Museum.

In July 2024, three distinguished Emirati art practitioners travelled to Toronto to work closely with the Museum’s curatorial team, reimagining timeless Islamic artistic traditions for today’s global audiences. Together, they explored how classical forms — calligraphy, poetry, and intricate ornamentation — continue to inspire contemporary expressions of beauty, identity, and faith.

The result of this collaboration debuted at the prestigious 18th Al Burda Award ceremony in Abu Dhabi, capturing international attention. Now, this extraordinary exhibition comes full circle, making its North American debut and inviting you to experience Islamic art as a vibrant, living tradition that transcends time and place.

As the Sun Appears from Beyond: Twenty Years of the Al Burda Award is the result of a unique Memorandum of Understanding between the Aga Khan Museum and the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Culture.

Visit agakhanmuseum.org/asthesunappears to learn more about As the Sun Appears from Beyond and plan your visit.