A World of Art: Exploring Modern & Contemporary Collections in Asia and the Middle East

But did you know that there are remnants of old life preserved just as they were, here in Asia and the Middle East? Old fortresses still standing tall, adjusting to their new role as open-air museums, and contemporary museums housing essential pieces of artwork, connecting us to lives that once were. 

If you already find yourself smiling and wondering about ancient civilizations you may have read about in your childhood history books, dreaming of alleyways you can promenade about on your way to the museums, marveling at murals and taking in the vivaciousness all around, why not take the next step?

Using discount code (كود خصم ويجو) for your trip can help turn imagination into action, freeing up your travel budget for the kinds of moments that shape stories: a rare book in a local market, an afternoon in a museum, and an evening in a quiet café where the next chapters await.

Louvre Abu Dhabi 

Nestled in the heart of the Sadiyaat Island’s cultural district, Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum in the Arab world. When in Abu Dhabi, take a page out of singer-songwriter Ella O'Connor’s music diary and explore grand works of art from every period and civilization, starting from prehistoric times to the present day.

From contemporary artwork like “Food for Thought - ‘Al Muallaqat’” by Maha Malluh, manuscripts from the Middle Ages like Page of the Blue Qur'an to antique sculptures like the Sphinx—the Louvre Abu Dhabi is a portal to witness the impact of time on human creativity. 

Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech

If nature and past fashion periods inspire you to create art of your own, then a visit to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech will win your heart. 

Take your time to pause and indulge in your sense of wonder as you frolic through Jardin Marjorelle before making it to the museum. Let the past artworks and muses of Yves Saint Laurent inspire you as well. If Lady Luck is on your side, you may even get to watch the screening of the films that inspired him on your visit.  

Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

While you can travel the world and witness the influence of Islamic art and culture in the architecture and museums of the world, the Museum of Islamic Art, Qatar, offers visitors a glimpse of some of the most significant collections of Islamic art spanning over millennia. 

MIA’s galleries are arranged by a waterfront such that a walk through them resembles a journey through time as you cast your eyes at the various artifacts and artworks like the royal Ilkhanid Qur'an manuscript with the 'Cavour Vase' in the background, Ka‘ba from the late Ottoman period, late Umayyad and Abbasid ceramics, a Seljuq stucco head along with a large Seljuq stucco panel—just to name a few. 

Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) 

If you are visiting Hong Kong as a lover of art, you will be spoilt for choice. Today, we shed the spotlight on HKMoA or the Hong Kong Museum of Art. HKMoA is the custodian of over 19,500 items, each representing the city’s unique connection to the world and bridging the gap between old and new, east and west, presenting itself as a sanctuary for art lovers to visit and immerse themselves in the aura of artistic glory. 

Artworks from KHMoA’s core collections include masterpieces such as the Chih Lo Lou collection of Chinese painting and calligraphy, the Fuyun Xuan Collection of Chinese snuff bottles, folding fans and albums, dating from the Qing dynasty to the modern era. 

HKMoA also hosts interactive exhibitions such as Art Personalised: Masterpieces from the HKMoA, where visitors can take a personality test to discover which artworks from the museum best match their personality traits.  

So the next time you are in the mood for taking inspiration from masterpieces of the past, we urge you to look towards the East!