A Private Tour
of the Paris Louvre’s Department of Arts of Islam
With a private tour guide
Since 2012, the greatest collection of Islamic art in all of Europe has been found across two floors of the Louvre. Now, you can traverse the treasures of Islamic art with an expert guide. In the glowing lights under the canopy and the dim cavern downstairs, you’ll find art from Córdoba, Cairo, Damascus, Baghdad, Aleppo, Mosul, Istanbul, Isfahan, India, and beyond.
This is a fully private experience. Every moment is fully focused on you and your group, telling you the thrilling story of Islamic art while walking through a legendary permanent collection.
Read on to learn more, or book your private tour now : bonjour@matahafi.com
Meet Your Guide
Suhail is a future guide-conférencier currently training at the CNAM in Paris. His academic background includes studies in Islamic arts and intercultural dialogue. He speaks French, Arabic, and English fluently—making him the perfect guide through the Louvre’s Department of Islamic Art.
Drawing on academic research and years of hands-on guiding experience, he creates one-of-a-kind, in-depth tours. These are thoughtful, immersive journeys through Parisian institutions such as the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.
His tours are appreciated for their clear, engaging, and enjoyable delivery. Your group will benefit from captivating storytelling about the history, function, and meaning behind each artwork.
You’ll explore the connections between civilizations and see how Islamic art has influenced — and been influenced by — other cultures. Along the way, you’ll uncover hidden symbols, personal anecdotes, and intriguing details that bring the artworks to life.
Suhail offers a human-centered approach, rooted in respect, attentive listening, storytelling, and intercultural understanding.
What You Can Expect on Your Tour
The term “Islamic art” covers a wide range of artwork produced in lands ruled by Muslim monarchs or profoundly influenced by Muslim culture. So, there are many surprises to be found.
Highlights include
A masterpiece by a 10th-century Christian in Andalusia
A synagogue door with captivating imagery
A basin made by a Muslim metallurgist depicting a profane scene of hunting and drinking
ميكانيك
كيمياء
علوم
Your special, private tour includes:
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A deep exploration of the department
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A guide who can translate everything into English
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Lots of researched information drawing on knowledge and experience of the three major religions of these artists : Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
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17 masterpieces from over six centuries of Islamic art across major dynasties, including Andalusian, Mamluk, Ottoman, Turkish, Mughal, and Safavid
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Learn about metallurgy techniques, manufacturing technology, and traditional craftsmanship
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Experience respect and openness from an experienced guide
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Develop a rich appreciation of the emotional and intellectual impact of these cultural treasures that transcend the boundaries of time and place
A Courtyard of Delights
Sitting in the Cour Visconti, this stunning collection offers guests an international sampling of Islamic art. It’s a story that unfolds across continents, weaving through so many cultures and historical moments. And you can find that grand story right here in the world’s largest and most beloved art museum.
But before you go on the tour yourself, take some time to learn about the history.
Islamic art has largely unfolded in societies with a sometimes soft, sometimes strict ban on depicting the human form. As you will see in the Louvre’s collection, however, there are many examples of depicting humans—so this feature can easily be overstated.
Still, Islamic artists have sought out many unique sources of inspiration. Chief among these have been intricate geometry and calligraphy.
Geometry in Islamic Art
The geometric sensibilities in Islamic art can strike viewers today as shockingly contemporary. The mathematical sophistication seems improbable, almost impossible. And yet, there they are, examples of exquisite geometric detail shining under the glass canopy at the Louvre.
This focus comes from the Islamic concept of divine unity, known as tawhid. By surrounding you in psychedelic designs, a mystical state is encouraged in the viewer.
Check out the Bowl with standard bearer that shows the kind of abstraction into geometric play that wouldn’t be seen in the West until the 20th century.
Calligraphy and Islamic Art
The Qur’an contains the direct message of God for the Muslim world. That means every sentence, every word, even every letter is adored and revered.
Spending so much time in worshipful devotion to this language, recreating the shapes of the letters to write out the beloved text proved a rich field of artistic exploration.
That this calligraphy has the Arabic script to work with has made a lasting impact. The letter forms are so beautiful, elegantly flowing together with diacritical marks (called ḥarakāt) rising above and drifting below.
In all kinds of Islamic art and objets d’art, you will find calligraphy woven into other geometric and arabesque designs.
Paintings
Despite its reputation, Islamic art has plenty of examples of representation that rival the greatest traditions in all world history. In particular, garden scenes—full of flowers and animals—abound.
The examples here are particularly rich from the earliest centuries of Islamic art (including the 7th, 8th, and 9th centuries).
Check out the frontispiece of a reader wearing a patchwork coat. This is a garden scene surrounded by a celestial garden. Quite a gorgeous piece!
Book Your Private
Art of Islam Tour in the Louvre
If you have fallen in love with the kaleidoscope wonders of Islamic art, this is your chance to deepen your appreciation and understanding. If you are only now grasping the beauty to be found in these cultures, this is the best introduction you will ever get.
Join me for a journey through the rich, diverse, and often misunderstood world of Islamic art. This guided tour goes far beyond the usual museum visit. With my expert eye and multicultural background, you’ll uncover the hidden stories behind intricate calligraphy, symbols, patterns, rare figuration, and mysterious objects from Andalusia to Iran.
So, on your next trip to Paris, book your private Islamic arts of the Louvre with me. It is a life-changing adventure into a fascinating and dazzling world.