The Al Thani Collection Foundation is pleased to enter into an agreement with the L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem.

In 2020 the museum announced that it would be offering a number of pieces from its collection for sale at Sotheby's in order to secure its long-term future and expand its programs promoting intercultural dialogue. The Al Thani Collection Foundation was introduced to the Museum’s board and the Israeli Ministry of Culture by the auction house resulting in a ground-breaking arrangement whereby the pieces destined for sale will be returned to the museum, a major work from the museum’s spectacular permanent collection will be exhibited for regular extended periods over the next decade at The Al Thani Collection Foundation’s new museum space at the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris (opening in autumn 2021), and the Foundation will provide an annual sponsorship for the duration of the period.

A magnificent silver vessel from the renowned ‘Harari Hoard’ – named for Ralph Harari OBE (1892-1969), a noted Anglo-Jewish scholar and collector of Islamic metalwork – will be exhibited at the Al Thani Collection space at Hôtel de la Marine. The Hoard comprises twenty rare and precious silver vessels dating to the 10th and 11th centuries which were discovered in the early 20th century concealed in a large earthenware jar and were first shown in public at Burlington House in London in 1931. Recognised by scholars as the most important group of Islamic silverware to have survived from the early Medieval period, it is remarkable not only as an example of outstanding virtuosic craftsmanship but also for its condition.

The Al Thani Collection Foundation is very pleased to play a part in securing the future of a unique institution that makes a meaningful difference to the communities around it. Their founding vision, which has endured over the decades, shares many of our ideals for open exchange between cultures.

More details can be found here.