Safeguarding, Refurbishment and Revitalization of the Islamic Museum of the Haram al-Sharif and its Collections
© Bernards Zako
In partnership with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Administration of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs-Jerusalem, UNESCO is working to safeguard and revitalize the Islamic Museum of the Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem.
Located in the southeastern corner of the Haram al-Sharif Complex in Jerusalem, the Islamic Museum houses one of the world’s most important collections of Islamic heritage. It is hosted in an architectural complex that includes some of the world’s most important Islamic buildings, including the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
The Museum has been closed to the public since 1999 owing to concerns over security and the arrangement of the interior spaces. Thanks to generous funding from the UNESCO/Saudi Arabia Funds-in-Trust, UNESCO, together with partners, the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Administration of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs-Jerusalem, is working to refurbish the interior of the Museum, build capacity among the staff, and set up an electronic inventory of the collection.
One of the world’s leading museums of Islamic heritage
The Islamic Museum of the Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem holds one of the world’s most important collections of Islamic heritage, including manuscripts, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and wooden and glass objects. However, many of these objects are displayed in sub-optimal conditions or risk deterioration in storage. The project is working to help conserve, inventory and store the collections for future generations.
In addition, the project is providing training for Islamic Museum staff, helping to build capacity in conservation and restoration skills. When complete, the inventory will assist in developing a modern storyline for the collection, and the project will renovate and refurbish a variety of spaces, helping to position the Museum with the public and among its peers.
The safeguarding, refurbishment and revitalization of the Islamic Museum of the Haram al-Sharif is part of UNESCO’s ongoing work to help protect and conserve the world’s Islamic heritage.
For more information: Nao Hayashi (n.hayashi(at)unesco.org)
Links: Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs