Hajj Exhibition at British Museum
When
26 January 2012 -
15 April 2012
10am-5.30pm Sat-Thurs
10am-8.30pm Fri
Where
British Museum
Cost
£12.00 adults
Kids under 16 free
Age Restrictions
n/a
The first major exhibition to explore the traditional pilgrimage to Mecca which is central to the Muslim faith, the Hajj exhibition at British Museum concludes the venue's series of shows that focus on spiritual journeys.
Journey to the heart of Islam
Drawing together artefacts from collections in Saudi Arabia as well as public and private archives in the UK and around the world, the Hajj exhibition at British Museum features everything from archaeological material and manuscripts to photographs, textiles and contemporary art. The exhibition also includes gifts left at the sanctuary in Mecca as acts of devotion, as well as souvenirs brought home.
History of the Hajj
One of the Five Pillars of Islam, the Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken in the final month of the Islamic year. The Qur'an commands all able Muslims to make the journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime, the city which has been regarded as the spiritual heart of Islam since the early 7th century. The Hajj exhibition at British Museum takes a closer look at this sacred duty and looks at the wider cultural implications of the mass pilgrimage.
Key strands
Divided into three key strands, the Hajj exhibition at British Museum first takes a look at the major pilgrimage routes used throughout history, from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as the long and arduous journey associated with the Hajj. The second theme of the exhibition is the reality of the Hajj today, with all its rituals and the emotional and spiritual significance to the pilgrim.
Mecca
The final theme of the exhibition is Mecca itself, as the destination of the Hajj. At the centre of the sanctuary at Mecca is the Ka-ba, the cube shaped building which Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. As the largest pilgrimage in the world, the Hajj plays a vital role in the transmission of ideas, trade and the development of an Islamic identity.
The Hajj exhibition at British Museum takes place from Thursday 26th January - Sunday 15th April 2011. Opening hours are 10am - 5.30pm Saturday - Thursday, and 10am - 8.30pm Friday.
Standard tickets for the exhibition cost £12.00. Children under 16 go free. For more information and to buy tickets in advance, call 020 7323 8181.
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Other Events at British Museum
From Jun 1, Mon-Thu, Sat & Sun 10am-5.20pm, Fri 10am-8.20pm, ends Jul 1
From Jun 1, Mon-Thu, Sat & Sun 10am-5.20pm, Fri 10am-8.20pm, ends Sep 9
From May 3, Mon-Thu, Sat & Sun 10am-5.30pm, Fri 10am-8.30pm, ends Sep 2
19 July 2012 - 25 November 2012
10 May 2012 - 25 November 2012
08 July 2011 - 06 July 2012
Mon-Sun 10am-5.30pm, closed Dec 24-26, Jan 1
Mon-Wed, Sat & Sun 9am-5.30pm, Thu & Fri 9am-8.30pm, closed Dec 24-26, Jan 1
What's near British Museum?
Below are the nearest 5 venues within 500 metres of British Museum.
Cinemas near British Museum (0)
The Box
11-12 Walkers Court, Brewer Street, Soho, London, W1F 0ED
Luxx
3 New Burlington Street, Mayfair, London, W1S 2JF
Covert
65 Albert Embankment, Vauxhall, London, SE1 7TP
Content updated: 02/06/2012 08:10