[@8:28] I shall finish by saying a few words specifically about our museum in Toronto. As you will have gathered, I am firmly convinced that better knowledge of the Muslim world can overcome distrust and therefore that city has been a strategic choice. While some North American museums have significant collections of Muslim art, there is no institution devoted to Islamic art. In building the museum in Toronto, we intend to introduce a new actor to the North American art scene. Its fundamental aim will be an educational one, to actively promote knowledge of Islamic arts and culture. What happens on that continent, culturally, economically and politically, cannot fail to have worldwide repercussions – which is why we thought it important that an institution capable of promoting understanding and tolerance should exist there.
The museum will also belong to the large Muslim population living in Canada and the USA. It will be a source of pride and identity for all these people, showing the inherent pluralism of Islam, not only in terms of religious interpretations but also of cultural and ethnic variety. Furthermore, the museum will show, beyond the notoriously politicised form of Islam which now tends to make headlines, Islam is in reality an open-minded, tolerant faith capable of adopting other people’s cultures and languages and making them its own. There is no doubt whatsoever that the Muslims of North America will play an important role in the development of states and populations within the Ummah.
– His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan
Closing Address, “Musée-Musées” Round Table Louvre Museum, Paris, France October 17, 2007
Watch the YouTube video as you read the quotes to enjoy the full context of the remarks.
[8:28] = Refers to time on YouTube video that His Highness makes the above remarks.
Accelerate your Awareness – Explore, Discover and Learn more about the Aga Khan Projects in Toronto
Aga Khan Museum Series (Perspectives on matters of the Intellect, Knowledge and Wisdom)
Ismaili Centres Series (Perspectives on matters of the Soul and Spirit)
Aga Khan Toronto Park (Perspectives on matters of Felicity, Humanity and Nature)
Ismailimail 