DOHA, Qatar, Nov. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) presents Splendors of the Atlas: A Journey Through Moroccan Heritage, on view through March 8, 2025, at the MIA. The exhibition, which is part of the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024, showcases some 200 objects that tell the multifaceted story of Morocco's history, society, and artistic expressions, and how they continue to energize the country's culture today. The opening reception was attended by H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa Bint Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chair of the Qatar Museums and Year of Culture Initiative, and Princess Lalla Hasna of Morocco.

Installation view of Splendors of the Atlas: A Voyage Through Morocco, courtesy of Qatar Museums.

Splendors of the Atlas includes loans from Moroccan institutions, including the National Museum Foundation and the National Library of Rabat, which have never before been exhibited in Qatar. Previously unseen works from the collections of the Qatar Museums, the MIA and the future Lusail Museum are also on view. Atlas of Splendor is curated by Dr. Mounia Chekhab-Abudaya, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs at the MIA.

H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani said: "We are very fortunate to be able to collaborate with institutions across Morocco to celebrate the Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024, which will greatly enhance the ability of Qataris and those living in Qatar to gain a deeper understanding of the the magnificent Islamic heritage of our North African neighbor. Our shared commitment to scholarship, scientific discovery and artistic excellence provides a strong foundation for this year's rich Year of Culture program."

Years of culture have led Qatar to establish long-term cultural partnerships with other countries. It exists to promote respect and understanding between cultures.

The Splendors of the Atlas is organized thematically:

"Faces of Morocco: landscapes and societies" will immerse visitors in mosaics of photographs by Bruno Barbey, Irving Penn, Lalla Essaydi, Mous Lamrabat and Mounir Raji.

The Soul of Morocco: Kings, Saints and Scholars delves into the history of the Moroccan dynasties.

"Threads of Tradition: Handcrafted Mastery in Morocco" explores the key role of craftsmanship in Morocco's many cultures.

"Traditional Sounds of Morocco" showcases the full range of instruments, from urban Andalusian melodies to southern Gnawa music.

The final section is an ode to contemporary Moroccan craftsmanship. If presents seven works commissioned by Moroccan artist Noureddine Amir, which respond to traditional crafts while reinventing them as new abstract pieces hanging from the gallery ceiling.

Qatar-Morocco Year of Culture 2024