The 2015 Porsche Macan S in front of Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. Two illustrations of streamlined, sleek design. (Photo: KATHY RENWALD via Inside Toronto)
… the first thing I did was photograph the Macan against the beautiful and austere exterior of the [Aga Khan] Museum.
The Macan itself is a study in simplicity. Porsche is masterful at carrying their design imprint through the company bloodline.
The link between exquisite cars, like those made by Porsche and what I saw at the Aga Khan Museum, is the capability of humankind to make beautiful things.
It’s an examination of art, skill and culture in a lovely space that invites contemplation.
In the serene and beautifully lit ground floor where pieces from the permanent collection are on display, you can get lost in the ceramics, carpets, textiles and books. To see the pottery, metalwork and books produced in Syria in the eighth century inspires awe and melancholy. Contrasting the art and craftsmanship of that time period with the turmoil in Syria today one can’t help but be deeply saddened.
The Aga Khan’s own description of the museum’s purpose is powerful:
“The aim of the Aga Khan Museum will be to offer unique insights and new perspectives into Islamic civilizations and the cultural threads that weave through history binding us all together.
My hope is that the museum will also be a centre of education and of learning, and that it will act as a catalyst for mutual understanding and tolerance.”
– His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan
On the second floor of the museum is a fascinating temporary exhibition: The Lost Dhow: A Discovery from the Maritime Silk Route. The contents of an Arab ship lost in the Indian Ocean in the ninth century is on display. The ship was carrying goods from China. The Lost Dhow runs until April 26. It’s really worth seeing as is the permanent collection at the Aga Khan.
Kathy Renwald is a technology and gadget enthusiast. Her favourite shopping is at the Apple Store and any place with electronics. You can find her at kathyrenwald.com; kathyrenwald.blogspot.ca; on Twitter @kathyrenwald; and Instagram at krenwald
The world is talking about the Aga Khan Museum & Ismaili Centre!
Be the First to Know – Join Ismailimail
Canada | Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson: The Aga Khan believed in Canada – “He thought very highly of Canada and had a great belief in our values” - Adrienne Clarkson was Canada’s 26th Governor-General and co-Founder of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. In…
Global: Why the World Celebrates His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV | Constellation of Honours: Over 300 Accolades from 55 Countries - Why the World Celebrates His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV Throughout his life,…
UK: The Rest is Politics – The Influence of Aga Khan IV - Two men who’ve been at the heart of the political world – former Downing Street…
Light: Visionary Perspectives | Aga Khan Museum - Illuminating artwork on display at the Aga Khan Museum that explores the boundless possibilities. It…
In One Year, Kiana Rawji Makes Two Award-Winning Films - From a teenage TEDx speaker whose talks reached over 150,000 people worldwide, Kiana Rawji has…
Multi-Million-Dollar Gift From the Nanji Family Foundation to Expand the Aga Khan Museum’s Global Impact - Toronto, Canada – September 21, 2023 – The Gulshan & Pyarali Gulamali Nanji Family Foundation…
The crown jewel of a museum in Toronto that almost wasn’t - Michael Taube, March 14, 2023, Troy Media When people come to visit the city I live…
Ismailimail 